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Sexuality attitudes split between females, males |
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Thursday, 15 November 2007 |
Editors Note: This is the final part of a four-part series.
by BRANDON BROWN
Lifestyles Reporter
Men and women can be compared to apples and oranges when it comes to their genetic makeup and reproductive roles.
Aside from physical attributes, men and women often also have different views on the emotional aspect of sexuality.
“One of the key issues in a romantic relationship [is that] women want to get closer emotionally with a person,” said Dr. Sheri L. Clark, a staff psychologist at Counseling and Psychological Services. “Men feel closer to their partner when they are engaging in sex."
This perception of differing sexual attitudes resonates among the Appalachian State student population as well.
Gabie S. Sepe, a sophomore history major, believes sex is more emotional for women, and more of a physical conquest for men.
Some male students are aware of their perceived attitude toward sex and acknowledge it as accurate.
“Women are definitely more emotionally attached,” said Tom J. Williams,
a sophomore international business major. “To guys, [sex] is just
another thing.”
Williams believes the hormonal differences between men and women affect attitudes toward sex.
Clark said studies have shown emotions regarding sex are somewhat
biologically based and women who have higher levels of testosterone
report having higher sexual desires and behaviors.
Sepe attributes “social learning” as an explanation for the difference of opinion between men and women.
“[Differing attitudes come from] the media and how things are portrayed in movies,” Sepe said.
Clark said many of the sexual issues expressed on television would not
be acceptable 20 to 30 years ago, which has led to more of a sexual
openness among individuals in today’s society.
“Anytime a couple can communicate openly, they are going to have a better sexual relationship,” Clark said.
Keeping secrets in relationships can set someone up for possibly being
dissatisfied, but if something is shared with a partner before they are
ready, he or she might pass judgment, and may not want to continue the
relationship, Clark said.
Couples will often turn to pornography and fantasies to spice up a lagging relationship.
“We evolve as sexual beings as we go along,” Clark said. “Test the
waters between the two partners to see if there is safety there.
[Individuals] should care how the partner might receive that.”
Sepe said a college campus seems to be a comfortable setting to discuss sexual emotions.
“Some of the feedback we’ve gotten from partners who do address their
sexual issues has shown [that they] feel more in control of their
[sexuality],” said Clark.
Counseling and Psychological Services provides a confidential
environment and the majority of the senior staff members have some
degree of expertise in working with sexual issues.
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