LESSON 1: Gender and Sexuality as a Social Reality

Sex – the biological aspect of sex; maleness or femaleness • Typically, males are comfortable identifying as a man
• is the biological dimension of your gender and sexuality. and females identifying as a woman.
• referred to as biological sex or physical self, the term TRANSGENDER - a person’s biological sex does not align with
generally pertains to your identity depending on your one’s gender identity.
sexual anatomy and physiology – the parts of your body Sexual Orientation - This is another aspect of our gender
that are relevant to reproduction and the function of pertains to our emotional and sexual attraction to a person.
these parts. According to Psychological Association of the Philippines
• is typically determined by examining your genitals. (PAP), ages 6 to 8, we experience or develop attraction to
Gender – the social interpretation of sex; masculinity, femininity, other people.
etc By adolescence, we already know who we are attracted to
• Our ability for higher thinking and our tendency to and experiment through dating and relationships.
create social norms, allow us to attach social and cultural Heterosexual - People who are attracted to the opposite sex
meanings to things, including our sex. Homosexual – People who are attracted to people of the
• social dimension of one’s sexuality same sex
Sexuality – the totality of our own experience of our sex and Bisexual - attracted to both sexes
gender LGBT - lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
Sex chromosomes – chromosomal markets that distinguish According to American Psychological Associations (APA),
females (xx) from male (xy) species nature and nurture play a complex role in shaping our sexual
Gender Identity - One important aspect of gender is our sense orientation.
of who we are. Homosexuality and heterosexuality are part of the human
• Do we see and experience ourselves as a man, a woman, sexuality and is large part of the human experience.
or neither. According to PAP (Psychological Association of the
Philippines), “we can only truly tell if the person is gay,
• This refers to our gender identity.
lesbian, or bisexual if the person shares with us his or her
experiences and feeling of attraction towards them.

Lesson 2: Gender and Sexuality Across Time

Patriarchy – social system where men primarily hold power in the political and private spheres.
Feminism – continuing series of social movements that aim to challenge the patriarchal society that creates these oppressive political
structures, beliefs, and practices against women.
Archeological facts reveal that during the dawn of civilization, human societies have high regard for women. The concept of divine
feminine (the sacredness of the woman due to her ability to conceive children) has prevail, and thus women are treated equally with
men.
This makes societies egalitarian (men and women have equitable power and roles.)
When human discover of paternity (fatherhood/role of the father in conception) during Agricultural era, where societies began to
establish communities and tame rear cattle and stocks, have also changed how societies have viewed women and men therefrom.
For longest time, societies have privileged men over other genders because of the preferential given to them in the productive sphere
(world of public) –perceive physical strength
Women – world of home and related task such as child rearing and home management.
Patriarchy - from the Greek word Patriarkhes means “the rule of the father”.
• It is a social system where men primarily hold power in the political and the private spheres.
• This means that in the social system, society is organized and maintained in a way that men rule over women and their
children
A patrilineal society follows a patriarchal society, this means only men can inherit property and the family name.
EGALITARIAN - system rather than patriarchal system. Same having contribution in society and enjoy same social status.
Greek - Aristotle, Plato, etc. viewed women as the inferior sex and are properties of men whose only job was to obey their
husbands, bear children and take care of the household.
• They were forbidden to learn philosophy, politics, and science.
Egypt - Herodotus, a Greek historian, observe Egyptian women enjoyed higher social status that Greek women because they can
inherit property and engage in trade and politics.
China - Confucianism written rules entitled “Three obedience’s and four virtues” and “Precepts of women” states that women should
obey their father, when married she is to obey her husband, and when widowed she is to obey her son.
PATRIARCHY FORMS OF OPPRESSION
Sexism – prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination based on sex
Gender pays gap - men earn more than women
Underrepresentation in politics, military, executives’ position
Rape on women and the stigma making women ashamed to report the crime. Very conservative expectations on women on how they
behave
Women do more housework and childcare. Boys were trained to be leaders while women were trained to do house chores.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Movement – women’s liberation, women’s movement, or feminism
Aim to challenge the patriarchy society that creates these oppressive political structures, beliefs and practices gains women.
During 19th to 20th century - first wave feminism spread across the western countries as women demanded for their right to vote or
participate in election and to be able to legally own property.
Le Mouvement de Liberation des Femmes or the women’s liberation movement was formed in Europe, and they sought the right to
education, right to work, and the right to vote in the 1940s.
• they also won women’s right to decide on their own bodies and their sexualities.
SALIENT POINTS THAT FEMINISM DEMANDS
1. Women suffrage
2. Equality in politics and society
3. Reproductive rights mean the woman is in control of her body, and she can decide for herself on what she sees is best for her.
Contraception, abortion, other reproductive options should be available to women because it is their body 4. Domestic
violence
5. Sexual harassment and sexual violence
6. Other rights include the right to divorce their husbands, the right to make decision on her pregnancy, equitable wages and
equal employment opportunity

LESSON 3: GENDER AND SEXUALITY AS A SUBJECT OF INQUIRE

Gender role and sex role are “sets of culturally defined behavior such as masculinity and femininity”
Ethics in Gender and Sexuality Research
Informed Consent – Researchers should make sure that the participant in the study is aware of the purpose of the study they are
participating in. They should also ensure only those participants who agree (in writing) will be included, and that they shall not force any
participant to join.

Confidentiality and anonymity – Researchers should not reveal any information provided by the participants, much so, their identity
to anyone who are not concerned with the study. All data gathered from the survey or interviews should also be placed in a secure
location or filing system.
Non maleficence and beneficence – A study do no harm (non-maleficence) to anyone. Especially in research involving humans, a
study in researchers involving humans, a study should be beneficial for it to be worth implementing
 Lesson 4: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION

Definition of terms: uterine lining if conception has not occurred. It may last within
Reproduction – process of producing offspring two six days which follows a cycle ranging from 24 to 42 days.
Regardless of the length of the cycle, menstruation begins
Genitals - external sex organs about 14 days after ovulation (plus or minus to two days). The
Primary sex characteristics - sex characteristics are overall cycle is governed by the hypothalamus as it monitors
present at birth. levels in the bloodstream. Three phases of PUBERTY:
Secondary sex characteristics - sex characteristics that Menstrual phase - this occurs if the ovum is not fertilized and
merge during puberty does not implant itself into the uterine lining. The continued
THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE high levels of estrogen and progesterone causes the pituitary to
stop releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
Female Sexual Anatomy - is designed for the production and
luteinizing hormone (LH). Estrogen and progesterone levels
fertilization of ovum, as well as carrying and delivering infant
decrease causing the endometrium to be sloughed off, and
offspring.
bleeding ensues. It is during this time that ovarian hormones
The female external genitalia consist of the following: are at their lowest levels. Proliferative phase – it occurs
Vulva - all the external genital structures taken together. when the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to
Mons veneris – pads of fatty tissue between pubic bone and release FSH that stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen
skin. and causes ova to mature in the ovarian follicles. Endometrium
is repaired, thickens, and becomes well-vascularized in
Labia majora - outer lips surrounding all the other structures.
response levels of estrogen.
Prepuce – clitoral hood (foreskin above and covering clitoris).
Secretory phase - It occurs when the pituitary gland releases
Clitoris – glans (head), shaft, and crura (root), the clitoris is LH that causes the ovary to release a mature ovum and causes
particularly sensitive stimulation. the remaining portion of the following portion of the follicle to
Labia minora – inner lips surrounding the vestibule were develop into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then,
sweat and oil glands, extensive blood vessels, and nerve produces progesterone. Endometrial glands begin to secrete
endings are located. nutrients, and lining becomes more vascular in response to
increasing level of progesterone.
Vestibule – area surrounding the urethral opening and vagina,
which is highly sensitive with extensive blood vessels and nerve Problems associated with menstruation
ending. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - (80-95% of women
Urethral opening - end of tube connecting to bladder and experience),
used for urination. Dysmenorrhea - painful menstruation caused by
Vaginal opening – also called introits; and overproduction of prostaglandins, causing the uterine muscles
to contract
Perineum – area skin separating the genitalia from the anus;
distance is less in females than males. Amenorrhea - disruption or absence of menstruation. All of
these involve the fluctuation of hormone levels associated with
The female internal reproductive structures consist of
menstruation.
the following as described and shown below;
Menopause - (usually around age 45-50), a woman stops
Vagina – collapsible canal extending from vaginal opening
menstruating as ova are no longer brought to maturity. During
back and upward into body to cervix and uterus.
the three to four years of this transition women may
• During arousal, it is engorged with blood. These aids experience hot flashes, night, sweats, sleep disturbances
its expansion and triggers the release of lubricants (resulting in fatigue, irritability, short-term memory loss,
from vaginal mucosa. difficult concentrating), headaches, anxiety, depression, and
Cervix – small end of uterus to which vagina leads. It is the difficulty of becoming sexually aroused.
opening in cervix leading to interior of uterus. Uterus – Female secondary sexual characteristics emerge after
womb, organ within pelvic zone where fetus is carried; puberty:
Fallopian tubes – carry egg cells from ovaries to uterus, this is 1. Widening of ships and pelvis – accommodates
where fertilization occurs; and giving birth, but also results in downward shift in center
Ovaries – produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen of gravity.
influences female sex characteristics and initiates menstrual 2. Enlargement of breasts – at puberty, both the
cycle. Progesterone aids in regulation of menstrual cycle and glandular and fatty tissues of the breasts develop
promotes mature development of uterine lining to allow for considerably. Differences in breast size between women
zygote implantation. Also produce ova, egg, cells, and bring are primarily due to differences in the amount of fatty
them to maturity. As many as 1 million immature ova are
tissue. It is also not uncommon for one of a woman’s
present at birth, with about 400,000 surviving to puberty. Of
breasts to be slightly larger than the other. The glandular
these, only about 400-450 are typically brought to maturity and
tissue of the breasts responds to sex hormones, and the
released into the fallopian tubes.
breasts are involved in a women’s sexual arousal. The
Puberty
glandular tissue produces milk toward the end of
The menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in females.
pregnancy and after childbirth response to hormone
The first episode occurs between 11 to 15 years of age referred
levels.
to as menarche. Menstruation pertains to the sloughing off the
More female characteristics: Lower mortality rate at every age and longer projected
Generally shorter than men. lifespan than men.
Greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men. THE BIOLOGICAL MALE
Two X chromosomes reduces expression of many sex-linked Male Sexual Anatomy - is designed for the production and
conditions’ and delivery of sperm for fertilization of the female’s ovum. The
Male external genitalia consist of the following Ejaculatory ducts – connect vas deferens to urethra.
structures: Prostate – gland producing alkaline secretions that account
Prepuce – foreskin covering head of penis, removed in male for about 30% of semen volume. Alkaline nature may help
circumcision: counteract otherwise, acidic, \ environment of urethra and
vagina making them more hospitable for sperm. Fluid passes
Penis – glans (head), shaft, and root. The glans is particularly
sensitive to stimulation. Running the length of the penis is the through a series of ducts along wall urethra; and
urethra surrounded by the spongy body and two cylindrical Urethra – tube within penis that carries sperm and semen
chambers known as the cavernous bodies. (During arousal, the rest of the way to the opening of the penis.
these become engorged with blood, resulting in erection) More Male characteristics
Corona – rim of glans where it arises from shaft. Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight
Frenulum – thin strip of skin connecting glans and shaft on composed of water.; Proportionately larger heart and lungs,
presumably to handle greater fluid volume.
underside of penis. Scrotum – sac that encloses the two
compartments housing the testes. Exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier
body and facial hair, but also increased frequency and degree
Urethral opening – found on head of penis this is the end
of baldness; and
of tube connected to bladder and used for urination. It is also
Single X chromosomes resulting in sex-linked conditions such
tube to which internal structures deliver semen by which male
as colorblindness and hemophilia.
ejaculates; and Perineum – area of skin separating the genitalia
from the anus, distance is greater in males than females. Male Hormones
Male Internal Reproductive organs: The testosterone is the major male hormone produced mainly
by the testes, but there are other glands called the adrenal
Testes- produce androgen, particularly large quantities of glands that also produce some testosterone. In case a man has
testosterone, which greatly influence male development drive lost his testes, these glands would continue to produce
sexual motivation; also produce sperm cells in virtually testosterone to support the male physical appearance.
unlimited quantity over the entire course of the lifespan. Vas Testosterone is responsible for the growth and development of
deference – travels from testicle toward urethra carrying a boy during adolescence and the development of sperm and
sperm. secondary sexual characteristics. Male secondary sexual
Seminal vesicle – two glands produce alkaline fluid rich in characteristics that emerge after puberty:
fructose sugar, comprising some 70% of semen volume. No monthly cycle;
Alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to start self-propulsion Elongation of vocal cords (lower voice)
and sugar may provide sperm nutrients. Ducts carry fluid and Broader shoulders; and Deeper chest cavity
connect with vas deference forming ejaculatory ducts.

LESSON 5: THE PROCESS OF REPRODUCTION

Female puberty usually begins at about 8-13 years of age; the reproduction maturation of boy’s lags two years behind that of girls.
THE PHYSICAL CHANGES OF FEMALE PUBERTY INCLUDES:
• breast development
• rounding of the hips and buttocks,
• growth of the hair in the pubic region and the underarm
• start of menstruation.
HOW DOES ONE OVULATE?
✓ The major landmark of puberty among females is the onset of the menstrual cycle, the monthly ovulation cycle that leads to
menstruation in the absence of pregnancy.
✓ The menstrual cycle is from the first day as a period until the day before the next period starts. Normally, it last around 28
days, on the average, but can be as short as 21 or as long as 40.
✓ Whatever the length, ovulation will happen bout 10-16 days before the start of the next period.

HOW DOES PREGNANCY OCCUR?

1. When a male and female have a sexual intercourse, the penis fits into the woman’s vagina. Ejaculation or coming releases the
sperm via the penis into the vagina.
2. The sperm swims through the female’s cervix, into the womb, and finally into the fallopian tubes. Once the egg and ovum has
been released into the fallopian tube, hundreds of sperm swim up to reach it.
3. Finally, the sperm penetrates the egg in the fallopian tube where fertilization takes place
4. and eventually, becomes an embryo. Once the embryo (fertilized egg) attaches to the inner of the uterus (endothelium),
5. a fetus develops within five to seven days from a ball of cells floating in the uterus, which officially pregnancy.
PREGNANCY
A normal pregnancy last 37-42 weeks (nine months). This is measured from the first day of the last period. Pregnancy is discussed in
terms of trimester (three-month period), since each trimester is very different from the rest. After given eight weeks, the embryo is
officially referred to as fetus.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF EARLY PREGNANCY IN THE GROWING ADOLESCENCE?
A baby’s head can also tear the vagina causing a hole between the vagina and bladder or between the vagina and the rectum, resulting
in what is known as fistula. Unless she has as operation to fix her problem, for the rest of her life, she will not be able to hold her urine
or feces and this will make her a social outcast.
YOUNGER WOMEN WHO BECOME PREGNANT FACE A HIGHER RISK THAN OLDER WOMEN IN DEVELOPING A NUMBER OF OTHER
COMPLICATIONS. THESE COMPLICATIONS CAN BE ANY OR A COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING MANIFESTATIONS:
1. vomiting 2. anemia 3. hypertension
4. convulsions 5. premature birth 6. Infections 7. death
The risk of having serious complications during pregnancy or childbirth is much higher for girls in their early teens than for older
women. Ages of 20-30 years are the safest period of women’s life for childbearing. The major difference between girls in their early
teens and older women is that girls aged 12-16 years are still growing. The pelvis, or the bony birth canal, of a girl can grow wider by as
much as 20% between the time she begins menstruating and the time she is 16 years old. This widening of the pelvis can make crucial
difference between a safe delivery and obstructed labor.
 LESSON 6: SEXUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Definition of Terms: Oily Hair
Health - a state complete physical, mental, and social The hormones that create acne are the same ones that can
wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infinity. make you feel you’re suddenly styling your hair with comb
dipped in motor oil. Each strand of hair has its own sebaceous
Hygiene – refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness
(oil) gland which keeps the hair shiny and waterproof. But
and to good health, such as frequent handwashing, face
during puberty, when the sebaceous glands produce extra oil, it
washing, and bathing with soap and water. Practicing personal
can make your hair look too shiny, oily, and greasy.
hygiene etiquette is difficult, especially in many areas of the
word, due to lack of clean water and soap. Inappropriate Sweat and Body Odor
washing of hands, face, and body can spread many diseases. Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands that you have
always had in your body. But thanks to puberty, these glands
Sexual health – refers to a state of physical, emotional,
not only become more active than before, but they also begin
mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not
to secrete different chemicals into the sweat that has a
merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual
stronger smelling odor. You might notice this odor under arms
health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality
in your armpits. Your feet and genitals might also have new
and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having
smells.
pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion,
discrimination, and violence. For sexual health to be attained Body Hair
and maintained the sexual rights of all persons must be Body hair in new places is something you can count on again;
respected, protected, and fulfilled. they are hormones in action. You may want to start shaving
some places where body hair grows, but whether you do is up
Reproductive health – refers to the state of complete
to you. Some guys who grow facial hair like to let it develop
physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
into a mustache and beard. Some girls may decide to leave the
absence of disease or infirmity in all matters relating to the
hair on their legs and under their arms as is. It is all up to you
reproductive system and to its functions and processes at all
and what you feel comfortable with.
stages of life. It suggests that people with adequate
reproductive health have a satisfying and safe sexual life, can
Dental Hygiene
have children, and can make a choice as to whether they would Dentists say that the most important part of tooth care
like to have children, and when and how to have them. happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly, along with
regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and
gum disease. To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque,
the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth.
LESSON 7: RISKY BEHAVIORS OF ADOLESCENTS
Definition of terms Risk – probability that a hazard in the environment can
negatively affect the individual.
Risk taking – a behavior of doing something regardless of received sex videos through cell phones or internet, the
potential loss. second highest in the country. Six in 100 have engaged in
Risk-taking is defined as participation in potentially phone sex, higher than the national average.
healthcompromising activities with little understanding of, or Identified Sexual Risks that were found among the growing
despite an understanding of, the possible negative Filipino adolescents are as follow:
consequences. One in three has sexual experience. They also engage in sex
Adolescent and Youth Health Policy (2000), has identified at younger ages: first sex for boys: 17.6 years old while first
the following health risks: sex for girls 18.1 years old. One in 50 had sex before age 15
smoking 20.7% drinking alcohol while one in four had sexes before 18. Seven in 1o of 1st
premarital sex cases are unprotected against unintended
beverages 38.9% three in 100 have ever
pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) including
thought of suicide. HIV-AIDS. 1.2% have paid for sex and 1.3 have received
Three in five have watched X-rated movies and videos, the payment for sex, this is low but
fourth highest in the country. Three in ten have sent or
Giving birth at younger ages has also been evident in the While prevalence of sexually transmitted infections like HIV
Filipino youth. Such that there is a marked increase in and AIDS are increasing in the youth, as of 2013, 36.7% have
teenage fertility in the past decade, 7.1% aged 15-19 are heard of HIV and AIDS with poor understanding being the
already mothers. The proportion of women who begun highest in the country noting that three in four think they
childbearing increases with age 2% aged, 16,31.2 % age 19. would not get AIDS
Teenage fertility is the lowest among all regions of the
country.
“Adapted from DOH Adolescents Job Aid Manual 2009”
TROUBLE SIGNS among TEENS:
• Sexual promiscuity • Regular use of drugs and alcohol • Repeated violation of the law or
regulation school regulation
• Running away more than once more • Dark drawings or writings • Falling asleep in class than once in three
months • Deterioration in hygiene • Changes in physical appearance and
• Skipping school more than once in • Oppositional behavior • Excessive daydreaming
three months
• Refusal to work/non-compliance
• Aggressive outbursts/impulsiveness • Chronic lateness
Harmful practice
1. Marijuana (also known as Cannabis, Grass, Joint, Splif, Weed). - Marijuana is a plan grown and used worldwide.
Hashish, Pot, Usually, people smoke the levels, but the leaves and the stem
can be made into tea, or even cookies. The effects vary. You
can stay under the influence for about two or three hours.people
become relaxed and happy while others feel panic or fear.
User’s eyes usually become red, and their throats and mouths
will become dry. Appetite may increase
can stay under the influence for about two or three easy to find and consume. At first, alcohol causes relaxation
hours.people become relaxed and happy while others feel and people feel less self-conscious. After more alcohol, and
panic or fear. User’s eyes usually become red, and their throats individual gets drunk; reaction time slows down and thinking
and mouths will become dry. Appetite may increase. straight becomes difficult. (This is why people who are
2. Mairungi (also known as Khat, Qat, and Mirraa) - Mairungi people who are drinking are often involved in car accidents).
is the common name for a stimulation leaf that is chewed in 4. Cigarettes (tobacco cigars) - Many young people start
much of EAST AFRICA. Chewing Mairungi can help someone smoking tobacco products for different reasons including:
feel more awake, confident, and can also reduce hunger. In influence of friends, seductive advertisements, and older role
fact, many students use it when (cramming” for exams. models like siblings or celebrities, to mention a few. Young
3. Alcohol - Alcohol is the most common drug and is used people find smoking a “cool” thing to do, but they become
worldwide. Because it is legal, often kept in the home and addicted to one of the most addictive and dangerous
comes in extremely cheap local brews, alcohol is extremely substances, Nicotine, which is an active ingredient in
tobacco.
5. Cocaine also known as Crack, Coke, Charlie, Nose candy, dangerous things to mix with other drugs. Heroin usually
Toot, Bazooka, Big C, Cake, Lady, Stardust, Coco, Flake, comes in a rock or powdered from, which is generally white
Mister coffee) - Cocaine is prepared from coca leaves which or pink/beige in color and could also come in dark
are greenish- yellow leaves of different size and appearance. grey/medium brown. Heroin can be injected, snorted,
Cocaine is often called the “champagne of drugs” because of smoked, or inhaled. This last method is often called “chasing
its high cost. It makes one feel like his/her body is going very the dragon”.
fast. His/her heart races and the “highs” and “lows” are 7. Amphetamines (also known as Speed, Ice, Browns,
sudden. Crack, which is smoked, is a much stronger form of Footballs, Hearts, Oranges, Wake ups, Black Beauties,
cocaine. Cocaine usually comes in a white powdered from Crystal meth, Crack meth, Cat, Jeff amp, Dexies, Rippers,
and crack looks like hard white rocks. It is usually snorted up Bennies, Browns, Greenies, Pep pills) - Amphetamines are
the nose. It can also be injected or smoked. stimulants that affect a person’s system by speeding up the
6. Heroine (also known as Hammer, Horse, H, Junk, Nod, activity of the brain and giving energy. Ice is a strong type of
Smack, Skag, White, beige white lady, White stuff, Joy amphetamine and is very similar to crack. Amphetamines are
powder boy, Hairy, Harry, Joy powder) - Heroine is a drug man-made drugs and relatively easy to make. Usually, they are
obtained from morphine and comes from the opium poppy white or light brown powder and can also come the form of a
plant. Heroin is a drug shows down the user’s body mind. It pill. “Ice” usually comes as colorless crystal or as a colorless
is a very strong painkiller and can be one of the most liquid when used for injecting. It can be swallowed, snorted,
injected, or smoked.
8. Ecstasy (also known as Adam, Essence, MDM, MDMA, XTC,
Eve, MDE, MDEA) - Ecstasy belongs to the same group of
chemicals as the above category that is stimulants and is
most often used in the form of tablets at rave parties.
Ecstasy is a drug that speeds up the user system by
increasing his\her physical and emotional energy. Like
amphetamines, ecstasy is also a synthetic (or man-made)
drug. Ecstasy is usually a small, colored tablet. These pills can
come in many different colors. Some ecstasy tablets have
picture on them, such as doves, rabbits, or champagne
bottles. The color or the “brand” of the tablet is usually
unrelated to the effects of the drug. Ecstasy tablets are
usually swallowed.
9. Inhalants and solvents - Inhalants and solvents are chemical
that can be inhaled, such as glue, gasoline, aerosol, spray,
lighter fluid, etc. These are not drugs as such and are, in fact,
legally available form many shops. However, they are abuse
widely by the poorer sections of society, particularly street
youth. Inhalants can look like almost anything (glue, paint,
thinner, gasoline, lighter fuel, cleaning fluids, etc.). They
usually come in tubes or bottles. Often, the chemical is
placed in the bottom of a cup or container and then, placed
over the nose and mouth. Other methods include soaking a
rag inhalant: placing the rag in bag or sack and then placing
the bag over the face, and inhaling vapors.
 LESSON 8 GENDER AND SEXUALITY AS A PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUE
Definition of Terms:
Psychosocial - a term pertaining to psychological and social factors and the interaction of these factors.
Psychosocial issues – needs and concerns relating to one or all of the psychosocial dimension. Reproductive role – the social script
ascribed to individuals pertaining to their role in childbearing or child-rearing and related tasks such as maintaining the household.
Productive role – the social script ascribed to individuals pertaining to their role in economic production and related tasks such as
engaging in public affairs and living in the world of work.
The term “psychosocial” is an encompassing term. It is comprised by two primary aspects psychological and social. There are myriad of
ways in defining these two terms but in essence, psychological pertains to anything associated with mental process and behavior, while
social pertains to anything associated with human relationships, connection, and interaction.

There are their primary psychological domains: affect, behavior ang cognition. Affect or the affective domain pertains to people’s
emotions and feelings. Behavior or the behavioral domain pertains to people’s actions-both observable (overt) or not readily observable
(covert). Cognition or cognitive domain pertains to people’s thought processes and sexuality have a psychological dimension is to note
that our sexual behaviors, as well as genderrelated behaviors, originate from what we sense, think, and fee.

the social aspect of gender and sexuality primarily anchors itself on the field of sociology and allied fields such as social psychology. In
essence, Sociology is a field of science which concerns itself with the human person’s realities and experiences as part of groups and
institutions, including the structures and functions of these institutions, and the dynamics of human relationships within them.

Understanding the Psychosocial Dimension

Awareness awareness is our conscious understanding of

something.

Intimacy and relationship

In certain situations, when two people recognize and become aware of each other, they decide to keep close distance in each other’s
lives, share their personal bubbles so to speak, and allow frequency of interactions between them. This forges some form of human
relationship- a bond formed between two or more people, manifested through communication and interaction.
This process of knowing others and allowing others to know us is intimacy.

As social beings, we also learn from our own experiences and from the lesson taught to us by those who have come before us. How we
behave in relation to other people, with due consideration to social expectations related to our gender, and how we make choices to
balance out personal goals, might be passed on to us through education and other cultural preoccupations. The process by which we
learn cultural norms and traditions is referred to as socialization.

Well-being as a Psychosocial Goal

The ultimate goal of understanding the psychosocial aspects of our experiences is well-being a state of satisfaction, meaning, and
purpose. There are two sides to well-being. One is that kind well-being, which is observe, outward, and can be evaluate through the
presence or absence of particular element in our environment. This is referred to as objective well-being.

Does the physical environment allow expression of diversity? Does the physical infrastructure mitigate any possibility of abuse and
violence related to gender?
Are material resources (money, properties) equitably available to men, women, and other people with different genders? Are these
resources sufficient for them?
Are there health systems which cater to gender-related needs? Are there wellness programs that support women, men and people of
different genders?

Another side of well-being is our personal experience of satisfaction, meaning, and purpose. This is refer to as subjective well-being . It is
subjective because it pertains to our own appreciation of how well we are. Sometimes, even when the environment fully provides for all
our needs, we remain unsatisfied, and thus, having low sense of subjective peace and satisfied within. In a common term, the closes
word to also mean subjective well-being is happiness.

How far is your sense of satisfaction about the various areas of your life as a sexual being?
Is your purpose as a person clear to you and if not yet, what are you doing to clarify this purpose?

Dimensions of Well-being
Based on what well-being means. We can see that there are various dimensions into it. The following are just the primary dimensions of
well-being which we must look into when trying to understand the psychosocial condition of a person:

Physical- physical/biological health;

Emotional-positive feelings; mood stability;
Mental- clarity of mind; healthy thought process;
Material- available and adequate financial and other resources; and
Social – healthy and positive interaction and relationship with others

LESSON 9: LOVE, INTIMACY, AND RELATIONSHIP

Definition of terms:
Love- a complex phenomenon characterized by an affective and cognitive inclination to someone, and a set of social behaviors geared
towards cohesion.
Intimacy- the psychosocial component of love; knowing and being known by someone in deeply personal levels; emotional closeness
and connection.
Passion-the emotive and physical component of love; drive towards sexual and romantic attraction.
Commitment- decision to engage and maintain a loving relationship.
Relationship- social bond between and among individuals manifested through communication and other forms of interaction. This
bond may be biological or determined by social contacts such as social consensus of laws.

February 15, 2015 an article featuring a study by McCann World Group, among 30,000 respondents from 29 countries, came out of a
national newspaper, bannering the title “Filipinos most expressive about love among Asia Pacific countries – study’ (Hegina 2015), The
article presented an interesting result; The Filipinos say “I love you” approximately 17 times in a week, making us sixth among countries
in the survey, which are most articulate and expressive.

Robert Sternberg, a psychologist renowned for his theory of love asked, in his 1986 paper; “What does mean “to love”
someone? Does it always mean the same thing, and if not, in what ways do loves to differ from each other?”

LOVE AS A HUMAN EXPERIENCE

Love is human experiences differently defines and conceptualize.

Love as a culture universal

Love is construed as a culture universal. A culture universal is a phenomenon experience similarly by people across time and cultures.
This means that human, whether those who live in past or who are living now and regardless of their geographic location and
sociocultural identities, have experience love, in one way or another. Said differently, love is an experience that transcend time and
culture.

Love as a social phenomenon

Social phenomena are events or experience which ensure within our interaction and relationship with other people. Loving entails
communication- the process of giving and receiving information between and among people. It also entails to use language- symbols
that are culturally agreed upon as possessing certain meanings and that are used by people to express certain realities and world views.
Love as a neurobiological event
With recent advancements in science, love, now, can be studied as neurobiological event. Every split of second, information is being
passed on within our nervous system- a conglomerate of organs (including our brain, our spinal cord, and our nerves, among others)
responsible for our ability to process and transmit essential information among the many organs in our body. The information comes in
the form of electrical signal running along our neurons (nerve cell), which movement is facilitated by our neurotransmitter- a variety of
chemical found in our nervous system. Neurobiological, the experience of love is associated with various parts of our brain. For instance,
the loving experience of love is associated with the activation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of our brain which is just right behind
our left eye. It is also associated with the increased amount in endorphins- hormones believe to provide humans a good mood.

Theorizing love
Since love is a rather complex idea, which can be described, defined and experienced in myriad of ways, several theories and framework
offer diverse perspective on how it can be understood and explained.

Psychodynamic view on love

Psychodynamic theory is a collective term, which pertains to the psychoanalytic tradition forwarded by Sigmund Freud (a Viennese
neurologist), as well as the succeeding theories that support, redefined, or refute his propositions. the psychodynamic theory
posits that we have desires and motives fueled by our life (Eros) and death (Thanatos) instinct.
desirable behaviors that promote positive relationship with other might be viewed as influence by our life instinct, while aggressive
behavior that hurt, manipulate, or harm ourselves and others might be viewed as influence by our death instinct.
Crucial to this life stage is our relationship with our primary caregiver- typically the mother. It suggests that the kind of attachment
(psychic bond) we have with our primary caregiver/s, influence our relationship in later life, including our choice of romantic partners
and the way we relate and operate within this partnership. Hence, from a psychodynamic view, love can be seen as a manifestation of
our Eros and the placement of our libido (life energy) unto an object (a thing or a person towards who we transfer our psychic energies
to ease pain or achieve pleasure).

Color wheel of love

John Alan Lee (1973), a Canadian psychologist, suggested that there are different types of love. The primary types are: Eros
(sexual and romantic), Philia (friendly), and storage (parental/filial love), the secondary types are: pragma (practical love),
agape (universal love), and philautia (self-love). It is possible for us to experience not just one but two or more of these
types of love in our lifetime. A child who loves her parents (storage) might eventually finds new friends whom to like once
they go to school (Philia) and then experience romantic love (Eros) especially during her youth.

Triangular model of love

One of the most popular theories of love is the triangular model by Sternberg (1986), a psychologist. This theory looks at
love from psychometric stance which means that it is generally concern about trying to measure love as a psychological
variable and in determining the various dimensions and facets that love has as experience by people

According to Sternberg (1986) love has three interlocking dimension- passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion refers to
the physical/emotional aspect. Intimacy pertains to the psychological/relational aspect. Commitment pertains to the
agency component that is the choice we make with regards to engaging and maintaining the loving relationship, the
combination of these dimension yields a particular love type. For instance, when there is only passion but no other
components, infatuation is formed. When there is only commitment, there is empty love. However, when there is passion
and intimacy, there is romantic love. When there is passion and commitment, there is ludic love. When all three
components are presents, then we can say that consummate love exists.

Romantic and companionate love

Hatfield and Rapson (1978, 1993), on the other hand, suggests that there are two general types of love: romantic love
and companionate love. Romantic love is characterized by intense passion- “a state of intense longing for union with your
partner” (Hatfield and Rapson 1987, 1993). Companionate love, on the other hand, is characterized by intense
intimacyemotional closeness-which is also characteristic of liking.
Love Languages

Gary Chapman, a world-renown author, suggested that people have various ways through which we give and receive
love. He referred to these unique ways as love languages. Chapman (1995) posited that there are generally five love
languages: namely, words of affirmation, touch, time, gifts, and acts of service. words of affirmation tend to verbally
express their thoughts and feelings of love towards the people they love. touch, on the other hand, express love
non-verbally through hugs, kisses, or, simply, a tap on the back. proximity (nearness) and yearns for physical contact
(not necessarily sexual in nature) with their partners.

time tend to value quality moments with their love’s ones. They are much willing to create memories with the people
they love. gifts, want to show and receive affection through material objects, especially during special occasions.

act of service is much willing to serve the other person by helping her or him in things that they do Love

and intimate relationships

Love, although well-studied and variety-theorized, remains abstract and obscure unless viewed in the context of human
relationship. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, has been widely quoted as referring to human as social animals. This
means that we survive, thrive, and flourish when we are together such that relating to other human is not only a
sentimental, but also an evolutionary and a practical process

Social connection is necessary for our growth as individuals. In certain cases, it also serves as a foundation for family life,
which then provides us humans a venue for nurturance and care a platform where we can develop to our greatest
potentials. In other cases, it enables us to secure our social position and provides us human resources to implement our
goals for ourselves and for the greater community.

George Levinger (1982) postulated that there are stages that intimate relationship goes through: (1) acquaintance, (2)
buildup (3) continuation or consolidation (4) deterioration or decline, and (5) ending or termination, Simply the ABCDE of
intimate relationship.

Acquaintance

Intimate human relationship starts in acquaintanceship. We meet up through circumstances and first learn about basic
information about another. Crucial at this stage is attraction. What does it take for a person to actually decide to be
acquainted with another? Attraction can take place in an enabling environment. It can happen when there is propinquity
or proximity- when we are physically closer to one another. It can happen when there is exposure – when due to
proximity; there are repeated possibilities of interaction. IT can also happen when there is similarity- common
preferences, interest, and probably, beliefs and values.

Buildup

Some acquaintanceships build up into deeper relationship. Frequency of interaction increases Kinds of activities shared
becomes diverse. The involved parties begin to introduce one another to each other’s friends and families, thus, making
the social network larger and interconnected. This is the stage when two persons test their boundaries. They test the
waters before engaging fully and so committedly in the relationship.

Consolidation and Continuation

The third stage of intimate relationship ids consolidation. This stage is when people commit to a long term relationship
with one another, either through a personal agreement (i.e., exclusively of partnership, domestic partnership,) or a
social-legal agreement (i.e., marriage) what makes people commit to relationship, to the point of legitimizing it through
marriage? Often, people set standards that are sustainable (e.g., ability of each other to maintain a family or a
household, readiness of each other to raise a children, career, and financial capacities).

Decline or Deterioration

Unfortunately, some intimate partnerships are unable to sustain and maintain their commitments or attraction. For one,
there may be a change in priorities between the individual couple, such that the conjoint value of the partnership is not
anymore sufficient. There may be infidelity- the breech of loyalty and promises as agreed upon by both individuals (e.g.,
presence of a third- party, extra- marital affairs). Or, in other, there may be irreconcilable differences- which are already
harming each individual and the partnership as a whole.

Ending

Finally, for those intimate partnership who are unable to address the cause and circumstances leading to the
deterioration of their relationship, the stages cultivate into ending or termination of agreement made (either personal or
socio-legal) through informal (e.g., collective decision to end the relationship or formal (e.g., marriage dissolution) means

LESSON 10: SEX AND SENSES

Definition of terms:

• Sensorium- the totality of our senses and perception; a conglomerate of the individual sense organs. • Olfaction- sense
of smell
• Tactile- something associated with touch.

• Pheromone- a substance believes to be emitted by organism and which is thought to be influencing social behaviors.

• Major histocompatibility Complex- a set of protein molecules associated with the immune system
Our eyes enable our sense of sight (visual), so that we are able to see visual stimuli (color, size, shape) in the
environment. Our nose enables sense of smell (olfaction) so that we are able to experience sounds of varying tones,
pitches, and volume. Our tongue is covered with taste bud that allows us sense of taste (gustation), so that we are able
to experience the taste (e.g., saltiness, sweetness, bitterness, etc.) of our food and other object we put in our mouth.

These five senses comprise our sensorium- the totality of our sensory experience and perception. While we receive
information from our environment through the senses, our brain has the ability to organize and interpret these
numerous stimuli into meaningful ideas that are useful for our choices (behavior).

HUMAN AFFECT AND THE SENSES

Interestingly, human beings are hailed as rational beings. Who are constantly making choice and are behaving through a
set of rational choices made from higher order thinking (e.g., Evaluating, judging). It is hypothesized that our (emotion
and feelings)
Affective Primacy Hypothesis (Zaljonc 1980) postulates that many cases, cognitive process (i.e., higher order thinking)
play a lesser role compared to our emotional responses in elicting behaviors. By virtue of this hypothesis, by default, our
emotion takes precedent primarily because these are only processed and modulated by limbic system- The emotional
part of our brain which is more primitive compared to the ones responsible for higher order thinking (e.g., neocortex)
three primary emotional responses: fight, flight or freeze.

A fight response is when we face adverse or dangerous stimuli squarely. This would mean grabbing the nearest solid
object in the environment and throwing it to the snake to “shoo” the snake away. A flight response is when we move
away from the adverse or dangerous stimuli. This would mean running away from the place finding a new route where
the snake cannot find you. A freeze response, on the other hand, is when you startled and is unable to make a choice,
thus, are unable to move. Sometimes the freeze response can also be used to buy time so you can calculate the
advantages and disadvantages of your choice: shall you fight the snake or fly away from the scene.

SENSES AND SEXUALITY

Having provided an overview on how human affect, the sensorium, and the brain’s limbic system coordinate, we are now
ready to discuss how the various senses play in the human sexual response.

Visual Experience

Humans are predominantly visual. Our societies highly rely on visual culture to co-create meaning and convey
information. For instance, our language has a visual component, as observe from our writing system. It is assumed that,
at the average, when realities are presented visually, we tend to remember them and easily retrieve them from our
memory.

In the context of human sexuality, some studies have explored gender differences in visual stimuli and sexual arousal.
For instance, the study of Rupp and Wallen (2007) found that men respond more to visual sexual stimuli and tend to be
influenced by the sex of the actors in sexual scenario. This means that when confronted by an intimate interaction, men
would tend to be rather influenced by visual cues, e.g., how the other hand, women content of visual stimuli. This means
that when confronted by an intimate interaction women tend to be rather influenced by nature of relationship they have
with another person, e.g., is the person someone they know and can trust.

Other studies explored how heterosexual men and women would respond to female filmed and male filmed videos
(Lann 1994) and female-chosen and male chosen videos (Peter and Janssen 2007). These studies established that either
 gender respond more intensely on materials filmed and chosen by people of similar gender. What can we glean from
these studies? Women and men differ in strategies of viewing sexual stimuli. Women tend to pay more attention to
contextual and nonsexual cues than men (Lann and Everaerd 1995), and thus are putting prime on subjective valuing of
circumstances. Olfactory Experience
Olfaction in non-human animals, which are believed to be microsmatic organism, or organisms having greater sense of
smell, have been an interest among psychologist since the 1950s. Conversely, human and apes are generally believed to
be microsmatic (lesser levels of olfaction) compared to their non-ape counterparts. However, recent studies in the field
of human sexuality show that while we humans have limited olfaction, sense of smell may play an important part in our
sexual response.

For instance, in study by Muscarella, Arantes, and Koncsol (2011) explored on the preferred scent among heterosexual
and homosexual males and females. The study found that heterosexual females who participated in their study tend to
like wearing floral-sweet but want musky-spicy scent to be worn by their partners. Heterosexual males and homosexual
females in their study preferred musky-spicy scent and liked their partners to wear floral sweet scent. On other hand,
homosexual males who joined the study wanted musky-spicy for themselves and their partner. Scientist have tried to
as signature odor (the unique way that each individuals smells) which is associated with Major Histocompatibility
Complex, a set of protein signaling our immune system the presence of foreign substance, and second, through what is
explain how human olfaction influence sexuality. They identified through possibilities: first, through what is referred to
referred to as pheromones, substance putatively excreted by our glands which signals mood and affects social behaviors.
Humans’ interest in pheromones, on the other hand, has been present since the early 1930s when an entomologist Bethe
(1932) suggested that there are hormones emitted outwards the body. These are called ectohormones. In a few decades,
term was replaced with the word pheromones, and eventually, the concept was generalized to be true also to mammals.
In the 1970s for instance, the McClintock effect (1971) or menstrual synchrony-the observation that females in the same
dormitory usually would have their menstruation at nearly the same time- was thought to be due to pheromones. This
culminate in the 1980s when the presence of human pheromone was hypothesized (Cutler and Preti 1986) What do
scientists think human pheromones do? First, it is thought to act as attractants (of the opposite sex), repellants (of the
same sex), stabilizer of mother-infant bond, and modulators of menstrual cycle (Cutler 1999). Some chemicals though to
be human hormones are (1) androstadienone (AND), a testosterone-like substance found in male seat, saliva and urine;
(2) estratetraenol (EST), an estrogen-like found in female urine, and (3) I-pyrroline, a substance found in human semen,
public sweat, and smegma.

Tactile Experience

Touch is observed to be the element of intimacy. Our body is covered in skin, often referred to as the largest bodily
organ. Our skin totally accounts for 16 to 20% of our body weight, it is a sensitive organ as every square inch of it houses
more than a thousand nerve endings. Hence, in social interaction, particularly intimate ones, touch holds meaning. There
are only people who we allow to touch us. There are only parts of our bodies we allow people touch. Touching, just like
any other behavior, may also be governed by social norms. As a sensation, touch has some elements. Tactile elements
pertain to the experience relative to the object being felt: Is it rough? Is it smooth? Is the surface hard or soft? Then their
thermal elements: Is it warm or cold? Finally, there are vibrational elements: Is the pressure of touch strong or weak? Is
the sensation moving and pulsating or steady and stationary? Different parts of human body also have different
threshold of tactile experience. Areas such as the mouth, anus, genitals, and nipples are referred to as primary
erogenous zones-as they are sensitive to touch. The back, cheek, neck and buttocks are secondary erogenous zones- as
they are also sensitive to touch, but only supportive of primary zones in eliciting response. Often these erogenous zones
are areas of the body involved in the reproductive and sexual act.

Human touch is essential in social bonds. Often, we only give people trust the right to have tactile contact with us. It is
always a consensual act to touch and be touched. When we touch, our body procedures a hormone called oxytocin- it is
referred to as love hormone because it is believed to influence tribal behaviors and maternal bonding. Oxytocin is
observed to be produced in vast amounts during nipple stimulation, such as for instance when a mother suckles her
newly born. In intimate relationship, touch is suggested to be one of the love languages. A person whose love language is
 touch tend to give and receive tactile stimulation to and from others trough holding, hugging, and other forms of
physical connections.

Auditory Experience

Social interactions are not only visual, but are also auditory processes, our human language often having verbal
counterpart to the written language. In fact, historically, much of our cultures are passed on through oral tradition, even
before the writing system was developed.

Sexual activities are also a verbal communication process. Sounds give additional context to sexual situation. For
instance, in sexual interaction, couples may give verbal erotic encourage-words that trigger sexual response or verbal
expression of affectionwords that manifest feelings (e.g., I love you, I miss you). A survey of popular music will show that
love and sex are among the common themes of songs nowadays. These only emphasize the value of sound in human
sexuality

LESSON 11: SEXUAL BEHAVIORS

Definition of terms

Sexual behavior - an action with sexual intention and context. Erotic-related to sexual stimulation; has something to
do with erogenous zones

Sexual response cycle - sequence of events from arousal to orgasm to resolution of social tension.

Sexual dysfunction - a concern or problem in any of the phases of the sexual response cycle (e.g., inability to have an
erection or orgasm, painful intercourse).

Copulatory behavior - related to insertion of the penis to the vagina. Paraphilia- arousal from nonliving object and or
nonconsenting people.

SEXUAL BEHAVIORS

Sexual behaviors are actions that humans agree to interpret as an expression of their sexual motivations or intentions. It
is important to remember that behaviors are given meaning by people. For instance, while hugging and kissing may be
considered sexual in nature, this is not always the case because the context of the behavior matters.

- are generally erotic behaviors such that they involve any of the primary or secondary erotic zones.
- can be typed according to the aim of the behavior. For instance, sexual behavior such as masturbation of the
stimulation of one’s own genitals can be considered as auto-erotic (self-directed) Erotic motivations can also be
directed to other people of the same-sex or of the opposite sex.

Homoerotic behaviors are sexual behaviors oriented to the same sex. On the other hand, heteroerotic behaviors are
used to refer to sexual behaviors oriented to the other sex.

For the reproductive purposes, copulation or the insertion of the penis to the vagina is necessary. Humans can assume
two positions in this process. More common is the ventral-ventral position (ventris:abdomen), wherein the male and
the female species are facing each other. Alternatively, a ventral-dorsal position (dorsum:back), may be assumed
wherein the abdomen of the male species is facing the dorsum of the female species, such that insertion of the penis to
the vagina is from behind. However, sexual behaviors do not only refer to copulation- the insertion of the penis to the
vaginal orifice. They also include array of non-copulatory sexual behaviors such as hugging, kissing, caressing. There are
also sexual behaviors that involve oral stimulation of the genitals such as fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis) or
cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vagina). Then, there are also sexual behaviors involving stimulation or penetration of
the anal orifice (anal sex)
SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE

For heterosexual couples, one of the ultimate goals of the sexual act is reproduction. This is made possible through the
fertilization of the ovum by a sperm, which necessitates ejaculation (release of the sperm) from the human male into the
internal reproductive system of the human female. Before this ultimate process, both the human male and female
undergoes a sequence of bodily changes which prepare them for the sexual climax. This sequence of changes is referred
to as the sexual response cycle.

Master and Johnson’s Model. Masters and Johnson (1966, 1970) proposed that the following are four phases in the
Cycle.

Excitement - The Excitement phase is the phase in the cycle. For the human male, goal of this phase is erection or
tumescence (the elongation and stiffening of the penis) so that it can be efficiently inserted into the vagina.

- the testes and scrotum start to elevate and some parts of the skin (e.g., in the breast and chest) reddens- a
phenomenon referred to as a sex flush.
- human female, the goal of this phase is lubrication (wetness of the vaginal orifice to facilitate insertion of the
penis).
- Lubrication is made possible by vaginal vaso congestion
- there is swelling of the glans clitoris and the labia minora, and there are sex flushes in breasts and chest. -
both male and female humans, heart rate increases during the excitement phase.

Plateau - This phase is characterized by a sustained peak in simulation of the organs

- human male, the corona and glans penis become enlarged and reddish. Internally, the Cowper’s glands release a
lubricating fluid and the testes, and the scrotum are totally elevated.
- human female, the outer vagina swells while the inner vagina expands and becomes elongated creating the
orgasmic platform (tenting).

Resolution - In the Resolution phase, the male penis returns to its normal un-erected phase, whereas the testes and the
scrotum descend. In the human female, the outer and inner reproductive organs also relax.

Kaplan’s Model. Unlike Master and Johnson’s model, Kaplan’s model (1979) sees the sexual response cycle as having
relatively independent stages. The three phases of this model include: (1) Desire, (2) Arousal, and (3) Orgasm.

Desire - is the psychological component of the sexual response. It involves sexual thoughts and feelings, which are
necessary for a satisfying sexual experience. However, desire does not necessarily translate into action.

Arousal - is the phase where the Excitement and Plateau (as defined by Masters and Jonson) take place. It is the
physiological component of the sexual response; wherein bodily changes occur as an outcome of sexual stimulation. Just
like desire, Arousal may not necessarily translate into Orgasm.

Orgasm - in Kaplan’s model is generally similar with that of the Masters and Johnson model, except that this phase also
include the Resolution phase. In Kaplan’s model, Orgasm is the completion of the sexual response.

SEXUAL RESPONSE DYSFUNCTIONS

Some people experience difficulty or problems in some of the sexual phases. The following are the common sexual
response dysfunctions

 sexual desire disorder - when an individual has a low level of desire or has an aversion to sexual activities;

 sexual arousal disorder - when an individual has problems in achieving necessary physiological state for copulation
(e.g. erectile dysfunction in males);
 orgasmic disorder - when an individual has problems in achieving orgasm (e.g. premature ejaculation among males;
male and female orgasmic disorders); and

 sexual pain disorders - when there is an experience of pain during the sexual response cycle (e.g. painful erection or
dyspareuinia, and vaginal spasms or vaginismus).

The origins of sexual dysfunction disorders are varied. It can be organic (problem with the anatomy and physiology of
the reproductive organ). It can also be psychosomatic (a psychological concern which manifests physically). Hence, there
are also a gamut of interventions that are either biomedical (e.g., surgery, medication) or psychosocial (e.g.
psychotherapy, education, marital or couple’s counseling).

PARAPHILIAS

They are atypical due to any of the following reasons:

(1) they are not prevalent,

(2) they are dangerous to self and to others,

(3) they are bizarre and are not socially acceptable, and

(4) they are distressing either to the doer or to other people involved in the act.

Paraphilia is when an individual gets sexually aroused by an object, a person, or a circumstance that are unusual (e.g.
pain-inflicting, humiliating, non-consenting persons). A paraphilic disorder is when the urge or act lasts for at least six
months and is a manifestation of clinically significant distress

Some of the common paraphilic disorders are as follows:

 exhibitionism - pleasure from exposing one’s genitals to nonconsenting people;

 fetishism - touching from non-living objects (e.g. shoes, socks, body parts);

 frotteurism - touching or rubbing one’s body or genitals to nonconsenting people;

 pedophilia - arousal from children (prepubescent)

 sexual masochism - arousal from actual suffering or humiliation;

 sexual sadism - arousal from actually inflicting pain to others;

 transvestic fetishism - (for heterosexual males only) arousal from wearing clothing by the opposite sex during sexual
activities ; and

 voyeurism - observing other people engaged in sexual activities.

LESSON 12: STEREOTYPE, PREJUDICES, AND DISCRIMINATION

Definition of Terms:

• Stereotype - extremely generalized belief about a group of people.

- Stereotypes are an “over- generalized belief about a particular group of people” (Cardwell, 1996).
- some stereotypes convey positive examples (like a student from Ivy League schools would be stereotyped as
very intelligent or matalino, or Filipino being known for our hospitality
- most stereotypes, however, are drawn from negative generalization like equating our Muslim countrymen as
terrorists as viewing farmers and blue-collar workers as lazy and less educated.
 - It reflects our expectations and beliefs and is largely based on the social circle we belong to as we try to conform
or agree to the standard way of thought.
- stereotype can be categorized as “explicit”, meaning the person is aware that they have these thoughts towards
a group of people, and they can say it out loud.
- “implicit” wherein a person does not know if they have these since it lies in their subconscious.

When the stereotype is explicit, a person can choose not to turn their stereotypes into action. While with an implicit
stereotype, a person has no control or control or awareness of it, and it may manifest into actions or behaviors

• Prejudice - unjustified or incorrect attitude towards a person.

- Prejudice is an “unjustified or incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an individual based solely on the
individual’s membership of a social group” (McLeod, 2008).
- represents our emotional response upon learning of a person’s membership to a specific group (like age, skin
color, race, disability, generation, nationality, religion, sex, sexual expression, gender expression, and so on.)

negative attitude (prejudice) can be dangerous since it often leads to negative action and behavior. For example, a sexist
person is someone who has negative attitude, towards the other sex and sees them as the lesser sex. This negative
attitude could manifest into action such as bullying, discrimination or violence.

• Discrimination - when stereotypes and prejudice translate into a negative act towards a person.

- refers to action or behaviors towards an individual or a group of people. According to the United Nations,
“discriminatory behaviors take many forms, but they all involve some form of exclusion or rejection”.

• Genocide is the action of recognizing someone as different so much that they are treated inhumanly and degraded.

• Apartheid (means separateness) is a form of racial discrimination wherein one is viewed as less than the other,
resulting in the separation of black and whites and the mass murder of Jews in concentration camps.

• Gender discrimination is another common form of discrimination. Statistically, women earn less than men and are
often relegated to be solely responsible for child-rearing and house chores. Men, on the other hand, are discriminated
in household responsibilities such that they are perceived as less manly when they do their share of house chores or
when they become stay at home husbands.

• LGBT discriminations happen when LGBT people are treated as lesser than straight people. Discrimination happens
early in their childhood as they get bullied when they act differently or dress differently than other kids. During
adolescence, they get judged, bullied, or physically assaulted as they explore and express their sexuality.

Freedom and Equality

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that “all human beings are born free and equal in
dignity and rights”. This declaration was drafted by member countries of the United Nations, including the Philippines in
1948.

This monumental document outlines the fundamental rights of every human being that should be protected by
everyone at all times. Its preamble recognizes that the “inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all
members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world”. Lesson 13: LGBT
Psychology
 LESSON 13: LGBT Psychology

Definition of Terms:

• LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, an acronym used to refer to different genders.

• Lesbian - women who are emotionally and sexually attracted to women

• Gay - men who are emotionally and sexually attracted to men.

• Bisexual - man or woman who are emotionally and sexually attracted to men or women

• Transgender - when your gender identify (how you feel) is different from your physical sex (male/female)
Labels are so powerful that it can be used to discriminate and oppress people. Like how the German Nazi’s used the word
“Aryan race” to mean superior and “Jews” and “homosexual” to justify their mass murder of what they called as
“inferior” race.

labels can also empower people to claim their space in our society, especially in the political sphere. Language can be
used to avoid offense or disadvantage to certain groups of people.

Views on LGBT in History

• China - used the terms, ‘pleasures of the bitten peach’ and ‘brokeback’.

• Japan - shudo or nanshoku (the Japanese tradition of male-love), which typically consisted of an older man and a
younger boy.

• Thailand – Kkathoey to refer to lady boys

• Philippines – babaylan or catalonan

• Babaylan or catalonan – precolonial priest who are mostly females, but some are males who lived their lives as
female priests.

ancient Greek, all males are expected to take on a younger male lover in a practice called pederasty.

indigenous Native Americans, accepted and celebrated what they called “two-spirited” person in a dance to the
“Berdache”.

later cultures see it as a “sin” following the Abrahamic Religion which branded it as sodomy, a crime against nature. As
these cultures colonized other countries, it enforced its belief system of viewing same sex marriage as a sin through
violence such as killing homosexuals through burning, stoning, or being fed to the dogs.

Homosexuality was classified as an illness in the 19th century as a basis for them to legally persecute homosexuals,
imprison, and commit them to a mental institution. An example of this percussions is that of Alan Turing, the father of
modern computing, who was persecuted in 1952 for homosexual acts. He was sentenced, with chemical castration
treatment, and he later died through cyanide poisoning.

APA removed homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder or a sickness in 1973. This decision was after many years of
struggle from the gay and lesbian liberation movement. APA finally declared that being attracted to people of the same
sex is a natural variation of the human experience, and it does not make anyone any less of a healthy and functioning
human being. Now that society is more accepting towards the LGBT, new terms and labels have been used to cater to
everyone.
The ABC’s of the LGBTQIA+

• Lesbian - women who are emotionally and sexually attracted to women

• Gay - men who are emotionally and sexually attracted to men

• Bisexual - man or woman who are emotionally and sexually attracted to men or women

• Transgender - when your gender identity (how you feel) is different from your physical sex (male/female)

• Queer - used by people who celebrate all gender identities, can also mean someone who do not want to be
restricted as Lesbian, Gay, or Bi

• Intersex - people who were born with sex genitals or chromosomes patterns that do not fit the typical male or
female body.

• Asexual/Ally - asexual are people who do not feel sexual attraction to anyone, but it does not mean that they do not
engage in romantic or sexual relationships.

• Plus+ - the plus sign refers to all sexualities that do not fit in the LGBTQI spectrum.
Knowledge on the human sexuality is still evolving so there many terms that pops up. Here are a few more to help us
become more inclusive:

• Androgynous - people whose gender expressions (their physical appearance) may or may not be distinctly male or
female.

• Gender - your internal sense of being masculine or feminine or neither.

• Gender identity - how you feel, man, women, or neither

• Gender expression - how you express your sense of being male or female or neither, maybe through hairstyle,
clothes, etc.

• Sexual orientation - your emotional and sexual attraction to a person.

• Sex assigned at birth - your given sex when were born based on your sex organ.

• Cisgender - when your gender identity matches with the sex you are assigned at birth

• Non-binary - people who do not feel like a boy or a girl; they may feel like they are both or neither, so sometimes
they use the pronouns they, them, and theirs.

There are many other terms that we have not discussed here but these are the basics of ABC’s of the LGBTQIA+

Understanding Transgenderism

• “An umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression, or behavior does not conform to that
typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth”.

• Transexuals – refers to people whose gender identity is different from their biological sex and may want to change
their body.

• A person who is born male but feel like a female, and a person who is born female but feel like a male.

Other sexualities under the transgender umbrella term includes:

FTM - female to male, a person whose biological sex is female and has transitioned to living his life as a male.

MTF - male to female, a person whose biological sex is male and has transitioned to living her life as a female.
Crossdressing – some people want to dress as the opposite gender from time to time, however, unlike the transsexual,
they are comfortable identifying with their biological sex.

Drag king and queens – these are people who dress as the opposite gender for entertainment which they do out of
passion or for work; and

Gender queer – these are people who feel like their gender does not fit the gender binary view that is limited to the
male or female category because they feel that these too restrictive.

The Transitioning Process

• When a person realizes that he or she may be transgender, psychologists can guide the person through the
transition especially when a person wants to go through permanent changes like sex reassignment surgery. But
there are people who cannot have or do not want to have hormonal replacement therapy or sex reassignment
surgery because of personal, economic, or cultural reasons and that is okay.

• Transitioning to another gender is a very challenging process because of the social stigma, discrimination,
medical cost, accessibility of medical treatment and support, oppressive laws in each country, and the threat of
violence from prejudiced people.

• Some countries allow for transgender people to change their legal gender from male to female or female to
male. However, Philippines still lacks the laws and the medical capacity to support transgender people in living
their full potential.

• The proper use of pronouns, he or she, should be observed when talking to a transgender person to show
respect as a decent human being.