Article 11: Scents and Sensibility

University OF Rizal System
Pililla, Rizal
A.Y. 2012-2013

(Reaction Paper)

John Elly Panguito

Abnormal Psychology

BS Psychology III

Mrs. Liezel Ramirez-Francisco

Introduction
The sense of smell gives rise to the perception of odors, mediated by the olfactory nerve. The olfactory receptor (OR) cells are neurons present in the olfactory epithelium, a small patch of tissue in back of the nasal cavity. There are millions of olfactory receptor neurons that act as sensory signaling cells. Each neuron has cilia in direct contact with air. The olfactory nerve is considered the smell mediator, the axon connects the brain to the external air. Odorous molecules act as a chemical stimulus. Molecules bind to receptor proteins extended from cilia, initiating an electric signal.
The ability to identify odors varies among people and decreases with age. Studies show there are sex differences in odor discrimination; women usually outperform males. Pregnant women also have increased smell sensitivity, sometimes resulting in abnormal taste and smell perceptions, leading to food cravings or aversions. Deficits in smell also increase with age as well as a prevalence of taste problems (the sense of smell tends to dominate the sense of taste). Chronic smell problems are reported in small numbers for those in their mid-twenties, with numbers increasing steadily with overall sensitivity beginning to decline in the second decade of life, and then deteriorating appreciably as age increases to over 70 years of age. This article not only tackles how strong a human scent in detecting odors or scent but emphasizes its importance on how a person finds its mate or partner.

Reaction

God is really great in giving us this body that we have. He equipped us with incomparable senses that even science couldn’t puzzle out the deepest secrets that it stumbles on.
The article that I read tackles about the wonders of our sense of smell, the gift of our nose. It states a lot of study that proves some connections of our sense of smell when it comes to finding people that is compatible to us.
It’s interesting to discover how a person would be able to search a partner by merely using his/her sense of smell. It is great evidence that we humans are really sensible in finding our partner in life.
Studies have shown reasonable results regarding this topic. Experiments had shown comparable findings that could help in breaking the mystery in one’s sexual desire. Even though they had proven some assumptions, further study must be done to avoid risk and disbeliefs. We need exact data and evidence that would support their findings in terms on how person uses merely their smelling ability to find a compatible person for them.
In my opinion, findings in the studies in the article could be useful to mankind. It could lead partners to happy living. But we must not depend on it fully. We have our own way on which we must choose as a life time partner. Just be faithful and do not lose hope. Fidelity and perseverance are great things that sustain interpersonal relationship.

University OF Rizal System
Pililla, Rizal
A.Y. 2012-2013

(Reaction Paper)

John Elly Panguito

Abnormal Psychology

BS Psychology III

Mrs. Liezel Ramirez-Francisco

Introduction
Orgasm (from Greek οργασμός orgasmos, from organ to mature, swell, also sexual climax) is the sudden discharge of accumulated sexual tension during the sexual response cycle, resulting in rhythmic muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by an intense sensation of pleasure. Experienced by males and females, orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system. They are often associated with other involuntary actions, including muscular spasms in multiple areas of the body, a general euphoric sensation and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations are expressed. The period after orgasm (known as a refractory period) is often a relaxing experience, attributed to the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin, as well as endorphins (or "endogenous morphine"). Human orgasms usually result from the stimulation of the penis in males, typically accompanying ejaculation, and the clitoris in females. Stimulation can be by self-practice (masturbation) or by or with a sex partner (penetrative sexual intercourse, non-penetrative sex, and other erotic sexual activity). The article elaborates the cycle of Orgasm, what factors that affect it and how it affects the person itself. Discoveries about this were also discussed and pinpointed for the sake of the benefit of the reader.

Reaction
Orgasm and Sex is a sensitive topic when it comes to Filipinos. We used to discuss it only in formal or educational setting. But nowadays, in our generation now and with the program that we take up, this matter is a topic that could be discussed for educational purpose.
At first, orgasm seems to be only a subject matter that would give benefit of pleasure or something like that. But this article had shown more than that. It explored and hence discovered the mechanism on the cognitive and somatic manifestation regarding it, that it is not a merely just a pleasurable state for one’s body. It has a cycle that is following.
Brain activities could be examined during orgasm. And studies had shown difference among men and women about these matters.
Further studies had shown a potential to orgasm as an aid for medical discoveries, which could help in improving one’s condition or health problem.
In my opinion, it is not so malicious to tackle such topic because as proven in this article, discoveries with this matter could be helpful to human.
As always, deeper studies must be done to really understand wonders behind orgasm and to open up gateway to discoveries.

University OF Rizal System
Pililla, Rizal
A.Y. 2012-2013

(Reaction Paper)

John Elly Panguito

Abnormal Psychology

BS Psychology III

Mrs. Liezel Ramirez-Francisco

Introduction
A woman (/ˈwʊmən/), pl: women (/ˈwɪmɨn/) is a female human. The term woman is usually reserved for an adult, with the term girl being the usual term for a female child or adolescent. However, the term woman is also sometimes used to identify a female human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as "Women's rights". Unlike men, women are typically capable of giving birth.
Although women typically have a female reproductive system, some intersex people with ambiguous genitals, and biologically male transgender people, may also be classified or self-identify as a woman.
The idea of want can be examined from many perspectives. In secular societies want might be considered similar to the emotion desire, which can be studied scientifically through the disciplines of psychology or sociology. Wants are often distinguished from needs. A need is something that is necessary for survival (such as food and shelter), whereas a want is simply something that a person would like to have. Some economists have rejected this distinction and maintain that all of these are simply wants, with varying levels of importance. By this viewpoint, wants and needs can be understood as examples of the overall concept of demand.
Every people had been wondering, what women really want? It is a question that is hard to answer but can use to inculcate views about a women perspective especially when it comes to sexuality.
Reaction

There are lots of questions encircling to our minds. Some are answered but a lot of them are just hanging by the thread and waiting for it to unveil the hidden mysteries behind these questions. With a lot of research done since the old times, the question of women wants has still always puzzling our mind. In this article, several specialist or professionals had tried various methods and experiments in order to inculcate what had been not yet discovered. They gain knowledge of what factors drives a woman and what difference they have with men. In my opinion, the researchers have done a lot of great job with the results. But these results are not yet satisfying; the question has not been already answered.
There are indeed a lot of queries in the world that cannot be answered. Maybe He is the only one who knows it and will eventually let us gain this knowledge. It could just pop out in someone’s research. We never know, God has his own plan.

University OF Rizal System
Pililla, Rizal
A.Y. 2012-2013

(Reaction Paper)

John Elly Panguito

Abnormal Psychology

BS Psychology III

Mrs. Liezel Ramirez-Francisco
Introduction
Sexual desire is a motivational state and an interest in “sexual objects or activities, or as a wish, need, or drive to seek out sexual objects or to engage in sexual activities”. Sexual desire has been referred to by many different names such as libido, sexual drive, sexual motivation, sexual interest, lust, and sexual appetite. Even if it can be labelled with a variety of terms, there is no doubt that sexual desire may be the “single most common sexual event in the lives of men and women”. Sexual desire is a subjective feeling state that can “be triggered by both internal and external cues, and that may or may not result in overt sexual behaviour”. Sexual desire can be aroused through imagination and sexual fantasies, or even through perceiving an individual that one finds attractive.
Sexual desire can be spontaneous or responsive. Sexual desire is dynamic, can either be positive or negative, and can vary in intensity depending on the desired object/person. The sexual desire spectrum is described by Stephen B. Levine as: aversion --> disinclination --> indifference --> interest --> need --> passion.
The production and use of sexual fantasy and thought is an important part of properly functioning sexual desire. Some physical manifestations of sexual desire in humans are; licking, sucking, puckering, and touching the lips, as well as tongue protrusion. Using a feminist view, the article explains the governing factors and characteristics of the sexual desire that could be associated in sexuality especially in women.
Reaction
Sexual desire is very broad point that could root to any issues regarding or pertaining to sex or sexuality. Since the old times, gender has been one of the issues that are always agued on. All about the similarities and differences among men and women are discussed at any form. Some involves issues in rights, privileges or even humanity. In my opinion, it is great that this article has tackled all about one side of gender issues. It focused all about women. Using its method, the focus for women desire has been emphasized and therefore makes an easy way to pinpoint some of the topics and biological specifications about women. Using a feminist critique really helps with the aim of focusing in the women side. It adds up the flavor of personifying the issue. It is good that the article had been examined in five major features to further elaborate what topics summed to and help in the realization of women’s sexual desire. This article is very helpful to those who have queries regarding such topic. We must not stop in making improvements to discover new things about the human body and emotions that could help us.