Psychological Sexuality theories

Question 1

Psychological theories

Answer 1

Psychoanalytic Theory
Learning theory
Social exchange theory
Cognitive theories

Question 2

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer 2

Freud;
id (Pleasure)
ego (reality) Rational interactions
superego (idealism) Conscience

Main drives: libido and thanatos (death).

Stages:
- Oral (mouth and lips)
- Anal elimination)
- Phallic (oedipus/elektra)
- Latency (repressing sexual impulse)
- Genital (sexual urges)

Question 3

Learning theory

Answer 3

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Used to modifty behaviour by reducing/increasing it. Eg paring w aversive stimulus. Immediate consequence more impact than delayed. Rewards are more effective than rewards.

Question 4

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 4

Uses concept of cost/reward to explain relationships. Comparison level for alternatives. Central concept is equity; belief that rewards they receive are proportional to the costs they bear.
(sugar baby)

Question 5

Cognitive theories

Answer 5

Emphasize importance of people’s thoughts. how they perceive/think. includes schema’s (gender roles). Perceive, label and evaluate.

Gender schema theory explains gender-role development and impact of gender on life and thought.

Gender schema= attributes we ass. to male/female. We eagerly seek info to establish gender

Question 6

Criticism psychoanalytic

Answer 6

Unfalsifiable
Freud evaluated people that sought help
Male centered theory,
Little recognition to environmental factors

Question 7

Criticism social exchange

Answer 7

Applying idea of reward/costs in romantic relationships is wrong, love is not a transaction

Theory downplays other motivations. doesn’t explain selfless behaviour/altruism