Sexuality at Different Life Stages

Week 7 Assignment: Sexuality at Different Life Stages

LaShawne Johnson - Kidwell

PSY/265

November 07, 2010
Angela Kolter

Sexuality at Different Life Stages

Sexuality is a topic that has drawn up many conversations from all types of individuals. The truth is that one’s sexuality develops as we as individuals mature. With that being said, there are various distinctive aspects that affect one’s sexual development and behavior (i.e. upbringing, religion, or even culture). In the paper there are three scenarios, all of them experiencing a different phase of life, which will ultimately bring forth different stages of sexuality. I will then give viewpoints from a therapist perspective; this will in turn hopefully aid the individuals in making choices, as well as ways to overcome obstacles that are currently disturbing the individuals with expressing their own sexuality.
Scenario 1. Anna, an adolescent girl, is very much in love with her boyfriend who is three years older than she. He is putting a lot of pressure on her to have sex. At the same time, she is anxious about her parents’ attitude towards her boyfriend. Her mother constantly warns her about dating an older boy and assumes that he intends to take advantage of her.
Result. Anna at this stage in your life, I know you are experiencing a huge amount of various feelings, as well as the pressure from not only your boyfriend but those of your peers. You are experiencing the abundance of feelings due to the hormones that are beginning to flow through your system, and this is because your body is producing Estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for so many changes that your body is experiencing right now like your breast getting bigger, as well as your hips and butt. Because you are experiencing this fluctuation of hormones, you may not be capable of thinking rationally, and you have to try very hard to not let these factors shape your perspective on such a big decision. I believe that this is why your mother is raising those concerns, because the same way we know what you are experiencing, so may your boyfriend. This may be the reason why he is placing so much pressure on you concerning becoming sexually active. I am not doubting his return of the love you have for him, and in saying that I am also aware of your feelings to want to please him. However, I do want you to remember your upbringing, and your views on making such a huge decision. Anna please way of your options and think critically about the situation and what it is you want to do and why. Then consider how he feels and why. Another thing you should remember to do is to weigh out your options and consider the possible consequences of your decision. Now since you are considering becoming sexual.ly active, I would advise you to also consider contraception methods and how to utilize them fully to avoid anything happening that you are not ready for (i.e. pregnancy, std’s).
Scenario 2. Tom and Susan are an elderly couple. Tom has been retired for several years, and Susan is more recently retired. She has shown a renewed interest in sexual activity. Tom has not reciprocated Susan’s interest as he is anxious about his sexual ability at this age.
Result. Tom I want you to understand that what you are feeling right now is perfectly normal for a man at your age. However, I need to explain to you that what Susan is feeling is also perfectly normal for a woman of her age due to the fact that women do not reach their “prime” until later in life. Now to address your feelings, because of the age that you are, I can understand that you would start to experience some anxiety concerning your sexual performance. In fact most men your age may even start to experience some difficulty gaining and maintaining an erection due to erectile dysfunction. What both of you are feeling is something that can be worked through by simple remedies. One common remedy that I suggest you both try is communication. Through communication you may find that you both share some of the same anxieties which would in turn bring ease to Tom, and by talking you can work on finding common sexual interest. This would also bring ease to Tom as well as enhance Susan’s sexual experience, not to mention allow Tom to feel more comfortable with checking out a medical professional concerning any physical obstacles he may be experiencing.
Scenario 3. Bill has been paralyzed from the waist down since he was a child. He is involved in a romantic relationship and wishes to be intimate with his partner but is unsure how to express his interest. Bill becomes very nervous and uncomfortable when talking about this subject.
Result. Bill I first want to start off by letting you know that a lot of people with disabilities share this same fear and anxiety, but instead of viewing this as a sexual conversation try thinking of how much your partner must love and cherish you because she has showed no interest in leaving you because of your disability. I believe that if you look at things from this perspective, it will calm your anxiety of having a sexual conversation. I believe that she has already accepted the fact that you may not be able to perform sexually and therefore does not want to cause you any uncomforting feelings. In saying that, she may be pleased at the thought that you are able to perform, and you are interested in pleasing her as well as yourself. Another perception that you can try is that of intimacy. Instead of thinking of this as a sexual conversation, view this as you sharing an intimate moment with your partner.

References
Spencer A. Rathus, Jeffrey S. Nevid, and Lois Fichner-Rathus (6th Ed.). (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Text]. : Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved October 07, 2010, from PSY265.

References: Spencer A. Rathus, Jeffrey S. Nevid, and Lois Fichner-Rathus (6th Ed.). (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Text]. : Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved October 07, 2010, from PSY265.