<p> Exploring Healthy Sexuality</p><p>Introduction to the Course</p><p>I. Sexuality is a critical force in shaping our lives A. It is part of how we see ourselves & impacts our self-esteem B. It is ever present as we relate to others – at romantic & platonic levels C. We are constantly confronted with media messages on enhancing sexuality through various products D. Sexual themes prominent in entertainment</p><p>II. Good decision-making about sexuality (or anything) requires: A. Accurate information B. An opportunity to develop a personal value system C. Discussion of possible & probable outcomes of behavior</p><p>III. It is also important to become aware of the variety of sexual lifestyles & concerns of those who are unlike ourselves</p><p>Our Sexual Climate</p><p>I. Americans talk about sex & sexuality all the time A. Conservative media – criticize culture's overemphasis on sex; sexual themes dominate culture & the media; claim the government allows too free an expression of sexuality</p><p>B. Liberals – culture is sexually repressive & puritanical</p><p>C. Others claim that there are mixed messages about sexuality – used to market/sell nearly everything while most schools can't teach it in comprehensive, forthright manner</p><p>II. Government & society influence sexuality in many ways – positive, negative, ambiguous A. We are sexual beings from conception on; our sexuality evolves & grows despite official sanctions or restrictions</p><p>III. What makes for good sex education? A. Well thought-out curricula with goals and objectives for learning 1. Based on accurate information in which pursuit of knowledge is encouraged, not restricted 2. Students should have a chance to examine their values & factors that contribute to healthy & appropriate personal decisions 3. 18 states + DC require schools to provide sex education; PA is not one of them B. Sexual learning outside classroom is often more influential – it is constant (both verbal & nonverbal) & often insidious</p><p>C. We often do not see the healthiest picture of sexuality – those who teach us may not be the best role models or give us the right information for healthy sexuality 1. We may not learn about healthy relationships 2. Things we learn may actually endanger our lives </p><p>D. What is sexuality? – a broad term referring to all aspects of being sexual 1. Many think it refers to sexual behavior & that is certainly an important part of it 2. It encompasses much more – genetic inheritance, anatomy & physiology, reality of being a sexual creature in a biological sense, thoughts/feelings about body</p><p>Factors That Contribute to Our Sexuality</p><p>I. Our sexuality is influenced by many factors A. Some concentrate on biology (genetics); others concentrate on culture & socialization B. Some think psyche processes info as result of experiences perceived as positive or negative that ultimately cause the person to become who they are C. Some believe that we become who we are as a result of the combination of all of the above</p><p>II. Family – genetics & scripted behavior; nature vs. nurture A. The traditional nuclear family represents less than half of the U. S. households, so the rules are changing</p><p>B. How does family influence the development of healthy sexuality?</p><p>C. Parental approaches that lead to healthy sexual development</p><p>III. Friends – peer group plays powerful role in shaping values & attitudes about sexuality A. Peer pressure, social judgments & opportunities interact to influence healthy develop- ment; can leave negative mark (low self esteem, depression, feelings of inadequacy) B. This is where most sexuality education comes from – sometimes accurate, sometimes not; sometimes they are perceived to be more knowledgeable than parents</p><p>IV. Culture – anything & everything that humans learn, including appropriate behavior A. All cultures have rules governing sexual conduct – some permissive & some restrictive</p><p>V. Popular culture – seems to chug right along; Michael Jackson, Catholic church, JonBenet, Robert Blake, OJ, Swimsuit issue</p><p>VI. K-12 Schools – most parents support sex ed in schools A. National Guidelines Task Force recommends teaching 6 key concepts: human develop- ment, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, society & culture</p><p>VII. College – exposure to new people and new things, often away from parental influence</p><p>Evaluating Sexuality Research</p><p>I. Sexology – the discipline that scientifically studies sexuality; studied by sexologists A. Disciplines that can be included in sexology</p><p>B. Government funding can be obtained if the research is related to public health</p><p>C. How are sexology studies conducted? - questionnaires, interviews, observation 1. Most research involves selected populations like students who tend to be better educated & literate</p><p>II. Sexuality researchers & types of research A. Human sexual response —> strategies to help people respond more fully & positively</p><p>B. Patterns of behavior differentiating for gender, race, culture & ethnicity, if possible Wellness Approach to Understanding Sexuality</p><p>I. 1947 – WHO definition of health was the state of complete mental, physical & social well-being, not merely the absence of disease A. The holistic health movement objected 1. Halbert Dunn viewed health as a continuum; a high level of health means moving toward optimal functioning; viewed functioning as evidence of well-being 2. Health is a conscious & deliberate approach to life & being, rather than something abdicated to doctors & the health care system (sexual health is part of this) 3. Daily habits & behaviors & overall lifestyle assumed primary importance in this movement B. Originally, well-being was limited to 3 dimensions: physical, social, mental; proponents of holistic health say that mental dimension has 2 components: intellectual & emotional 1. Intellectual – rational thought processes 2. Emotional - feelings & emotions 3. Eventually added spiritual </p><p>C. 1970's – 1980's – health definition expanded by wellness movement; wellness defined as active process of becoming aware of & making choices toward more successful existence 1. Added environmental health to dimensions of health</p><p>D. Wellness is a process of becoming healthier; if all of the abovementioned dimensions are at a high level & in balance —> optimal health & well-being 1. When dimensions are out of balance or one is severely lacking —> lower levels of health & well-being</p><p>II. The 6 dimensions of well-being A. Physical well-being – reflected in how well body performs its intended functions</p><p>B. Intellectual well-being - ability to process information effectively; use information in rational way to solve problems & grow</p><p>C. Emotional well-being – being in touch with one's feelings, being able to express them & control them when necessary D. Social well-being – involves being connected to others through various types of relationships 1. Such people form friendships, intimate relationships, give/receive love & affection, accept others unconditionally</p><p>E. Environmental well-being – high-level functioning on 2 levels: 1. Microenvironment – school, home, neighborhood, work site; people at these places link environment to social aspects of health</p><p>2. Macroenvironment – level of well-being at higher level like the state, country or world at large; wars, terrorists, violence, racism, sexism, etc.</p><p>F. Spiritual well-being – feeling connected to something beyond oneself; organized religious activities; living by a formalized code of conduct 1. Could mean being part of community, working to save environment, helping to feed needy, commitment to world piece</p><p>G. Occupational/vocational well-being - involves issues related to job wellness; safety of work site to nature of career; physical & social factors</p><p>Wellness and Human Sexuality</p><p>I. Sexuality contributes to overall health & is affected by it; high-level sexual health can be a positive force in our lives A. High level physical well-being (CV health, muscle tone) can make us feel better about our bodies & provide energy & capability to maximize sexual pleasure & function</p><p>B. High-level emotional well-being helps one deal with sexual issues</p><p>C. High-level intellectual well-being helps us process sexual information, think critically & make sound decisions regarding sexual health</p><p>D. High-level social well-being enhances sexuality & provides safe forum to explore it & share it with others</p><p>E. Our sexual health is based in ability to form healthy relationships with others</p><p>II. All of the levels of well-being impact our sexuality </p>