First 18 mo
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- Major source of pleasure from touch and oral exploration.
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First 18 mo
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- Major source of pleasure from touch and oral exploration.
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18 mo-3 yr
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- Pleasurable and sexual feelings are associated with genitals (acts of urination and defecation). Masturbation without fantasy or eroticism.
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3-6 yr
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- Beginning resolution of Oedipus and Electra complexes; foundation for heterosexual relationships; masturbation with curiosity about genitals of opposite sex.
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6-12 yr
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- Peer relations with same sex; onset of sex play; morality and sexual attitudes taught and learned; phase of sexual tranquility.
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12-18 yr (adolescence)
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- Onset of puberty with biological development of secondary sex characteristics; menstruation and ejaculation occur.
- Frequent masturbation. Intense anxiety and guilt may occur over heterosexual or homosexual behavior (petting, coitus, masturbation, STD, pregnancy, genital size).
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18-23 yr (early adulthood)
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- Maximum interpersonal and intrapsychic self-consciousness about sexuality. Issues: premarital coitus, sexual freedom.
- Anxiety about: sexual competency, genital size, impotence, fear of pregnancy, rejection.
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23-30 yr
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- Focus on sexual activity in coupling and parenthood; mutual masturbation.
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30-45 yr (middle adulthood)
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- For women—peak sexuality without new sexual experiences. Conflict regarding extramarital sex may increase.
Purpose of Interourse:
- Need for body contact (and procreation until age 35+).
- Physical expression of trust, love, and affection.
- Reaffirmation of self-concept as sexually desirable and sexually competent due to worry about effects of aging.
Sexual Dysfunctions:
- Men: erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, decreasing libido.
- Women: intermittent lack of orgasmic response, vaginismus, dyspareunia.
- For either or both: changes or divergences in degree of sexual interest.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction (Men):
- Overindulgence in food or drink.
- Preoccupation with career and economic pursuits.
- Mental or physical fatigue.
- Boredom with monotony of relationship.
- Drug dependency: alcohol, tobacco, certain medications.
- Fear of failure.
- Chronic illness: diabetes, alcoholism —> peripheral neuropathy —> impotence (smoking and drinking may result in decreased testosterone production); excessive smoking —> vascular constriction —> decreased libido; spinal cord injuries; prostatectomy, androgen deprivation therapy (for prostate cancer).
- Self-devaluation due to accumulation of role function losses, sexual self-image, and body image.
- Past history of lack of-sexual enjoyment in younger years.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction (Women):
- Belief in myths regarding “shoulds and should nots” of frequency, variations, and enjoyment.
- Widowhood: inhibition and loyalty to deceased.
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45-65 yr (later adulthood)
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- Menopause occurs.
- Little or no fear of pregnancy; evidence of sexual activity differences in men and women: women may have increased pleasure, men take longer to reach orgasm; may prefer less strenuous mutual masturbation.
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Over 65 yr (old age)
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- Activity depends on earlier sexual attitude.
- May suffer guilt and shame when engaging in sex.
- Can have active and enjoyable sex life with continuing sex needs.
- Age is not a barrier provided there is opportunity for sexual activity with a partner or for sublimated activities. Women in this age group outnumber men; single women outnumber single men by an even larger margin.
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