SEX CRIMES INVESTIGATORS AND SEXUALLY AGGRESSIVE WOMEN
Elizabeth Rice Allgeier, Ph.D.
I spoke at the Colorado Association of Sex Crimes Investigators' (CASCI) annual meeting on the topic of "sexually aggressive women." I was uncertain of members' attitudes toward sexual expression in general and sex offenders in particular, and did not know the level at which to communicate effectively with them. However, I perceived the presentation as an opportunity to communicate findings from our field to those working in the field. The sex SCIs who attended disrupted many of my stereotypes about their goals. The meeting schedule allowed time to interact informally during numerous breaks during the day. My expectation that the audience would be hardened and calloused "cops" dissolved. In preparing my presentation for CASCI, I learned some things of which I was unaware and I will devote part of the current presentation to challenging some of our "received wisdom." about police, the judicial system, and sexually aggressive women.
SEX IN THE ABSENCE OF A SOUL: TOWARD A SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE
OF SUBJECTIVE SEXUAL EXPERIENCE.
Bill Bailliet, M.S. and Mary Bontorin, M.A.
It has become increasingly popular in Western cultures to describe subjective sexual experience as having a spiritual dimension. For many, the exploration of eroticism has led to sexual mysticism, an exploration of sacred sexuality, or a striving for sexual transcendence from the material/natural to the spiritual/supernatural. Many therapists now describe their practice as integrating, or at least addressing the spiritual, as well emotional and psychological aspects of their clients. We will discuss the fundamental philosophical premises underlying various traditional and modern beliefs regarding spiritual sexuality. We will then contrast spiritual/supernaturalistic and nonspiritual/naturalistic interpretations of sexuality. We propose that an empirical scientific approach toward sexuality, which does not include a spiritual component, can provide rational interpretations of human sexuality without sacrificing the meaningfulness and ecstatic sense of magic and mystery of sexual experience.
UNDERSTANDING EROTIC INHIBITION
Vena Blanchard. VenaE@aol.com 3428 Motor
Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034
There are groups of clients who, regardless of previous experience or basic sexual functioning, are profoundly inhibited in their enjoyment of sexual and sensual interactions. These clients are a significant part of my clinical practice as a Surrogate Partner.
Erotically inhibited clients help to illuminate the characterological and behavioral components necessary for eroticism. I will discuss cases with diverse erotic challenges including a lesbian whom no one found erotically attractive; a heterosexual male overcoming the consequences of childhood molestation; clients with physical disabilities; and clients completely unmoved by traditional erotic and sensual stimuli. I will discuss treatment methodologies including expanding clients’ self-concept and experientially developing clients’ capacity for trust, authenticity, and emotional connection.
The difference between a surrogate partner's and a therapist's perspective on this material is that the surrogate isn't limited to clients' capacity to verbally communicate the nature of their difficulties.
AN ORIENTATION TOWARD THE EROTIC: THE VOICES OF HIGHLY
SEXUAL WOMEN
Eric S. Blumberg, M.A.
This presentation reports some findings of an exploratory qualitative study of 32 American women aged 20 to 82 with very strong and frequent sexual desires.
The participants, overall, reported that their internally sensed demand for erotic stimulation and sexual satisfaction frequently affected their daily lives. For some it was a major organizing principle of their time and energy. The presentation will use the words of the study participants to illustrate points made.
Several aspects of the experience of desire of study participants will be discussed. First is the frequent, or for some almost constant, awareness of their sexuality and the erotic aspects of daily life. Second, participants' awareness of the erotic in life and their early awareness of it as it was experienced will be described. Third, patterns of the physical and psychological experience of desire reported by highly sexual women will be reported.
CONSTRUCTIVIST SEX THERAPY
Sara K. Bridges, Ph.D.
This paper presents a systemic-constructivist approach to integrative sexual and couple psychotherapy that encourages in-depth exploration of sexual meanings and their impact on the couple relationship. The concepts of holonic sex therapy, which focuses on four main aspects of sexuality (gender, eroticism, interpersonal bonding and reproductivity holons), are presented as ways of mapping problematic sexual meanings. For the purpose of elaboration and application of this model and to further the examination of personal meanings of eroticism, the eroticism holon will be explored in detail using narrative and constructivist applications of holonic sex therapy.
PREDICTORS OF TREATMENT OUTCOME FOR SEX OFFENDERS
Wilson Butz, B.S. and Donald S. Strassberg, Ph.D.
The present study examines the value of a variety of personal, situational, and historical variables in the prediction of the successful completion of half-way house treatment for convicted male sex offenders. Static variables on which offenders were evaluated include pre-treatment MMPI-2 and MSI (Multiphasic Sex Inventory) performance, nature of offense, previous criminal history, adolescent adjustment, and evidence of psychopathy. Dynamic predictors include therapist-assessed measures of offender empathy, anger, subjective distress, and frustration tolerance. Data analysis continues until all men have either successfully complete treatment or have been remanded back to prison.
The results of this study will, potentially, have implications for (1) the identification of sub-groups of offenders who are more and less likely to benefit from current treatment approaches and (2) the possible modification of current selection guidelines and treatment approaches toward maximizing program completion and efficacy.
THE STIGMA OF STRIPPING: A COMPARISON OF EXOTIC
DANCERS AND STUDENTS
Bobbi Critchley, B.A.
The history of stripping is fraught with social meaning, particularly regarding the kind of women who choose, or are forced into, the Fast Life. Ever since Salome, social norms have stereotyped exotic dancers as corrupt young women from broken homes, sexually and physically abused at early ages, drug and alcohol users, unintelligent, and uneducated; women who are psychologically sub-functional and probably a little to the left of the law.
This study compares a population of strippers from two states (n=28) and a population of graduate students in a private university in Northern California (n=24) on measures of family background, health, and sense of power and pride in their work. We hypothesize that there will be little or no differences on these measures between the two groups. Results will be presented and discussed, and implications for future research comparing strippers to other populations will be considered.
EROTICISM FROM AN INTERSEXED POINT OF VIEW
Howard Devore PhD
The psychology of the Intersex patient is one that the sexual scientist may have some knowledge about from the writings of John Money. The recent activism by some adults who as children had surgical alteration of the genitalia to conform to a medically determined sex of assignment has challenged the thinking of the professional community to consider Intersex as a healthy adjustment for the sexual identity, instead of having to achieve the internal sense of identity as male or female. Case studies of Intersex individuals, along with videotape of a meeting of Intersexuals, provides insight into the psychology of the identity of Intersex. Discussion can include the utility of a social sex by which one can be recognized in public, recommendations for parents of newborn intersexuals, and the definitional debate regarding homosexual vs. heterosexual labelling for the Intersexed individual.
A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY
Milton Diamond, Ph.D. University of Hawai`i, John A. Burns School of
Medicine, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96822
Despite the ubiquity of pornography, or because of it, sexually explicit depictions, either in word or picture, provoke wide debate. This debate usually revolves about two central themes: 1) pornography is a form of expression which deserves its place along with other writings or art; 2) pornography is a blight on society with its most damaging feature its precipitation of sex crimes and rape in particular.
This report will present evidence from different societies, in Europe (Denmark, Sweden, West Germany), Asia (Japan, Shanghai), and the United States, which correlates the availability of pornography with the incidence of different sex crimes.
The results from around the world are consistent. Wherever it has been examined, an increase in the availability of pornography has either had no effect on sex crimes or has been correlated with a decrease. This is particularly seen among minors either as victims or perpetrators.
EROTICISM AROUND THE WORLD
Milton Diamond, Ph.D. University of Hawai`i, John A. Burns School of
Medicine, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96822
It is somewhat simplistic to say that sex is part of everyday existence. In so doing we are calling upon a broad definition of sex. Indeed, the word "sex" is convenient shorthand for the physical, emotional and social facts of being male, female or intersexed but is also the word used when it means coitus or copulation or even just petting. Eroticism is a somewhat more specific term related to sex. Something erotic is something that tends to arouse lust or sexual desire. And while sexual expression itself is often hidden, eroticism, the evoking of sexual thoughts or actions by symbolism, illusion or art is widespread.
While much of what is considered erotic or related to sex will be in the eye of the beholder, this presentation will try to show erotic and sexual expression in relatively open view, in different ways, in different cultures, as it appeared to this viewer. Much will be similar across cultures while other aspects will be unique to each society or subculture.
SHE-MALE PROSTITUTES: WHO ARE THEY, WHAT DO THEY DO,
AND WHY DO THEY DO IT?
Dwight Dixon, J.D., Ph.D. and Joan K. Dixon, Ph.D. blondedr@cts.com
POB 9591, San Diego, CA 92169
In the last few years a new force has appeared with great vigor in
the society of sex workers -- the she-male. In recent years the she-male
prostitute, as a distinct entity, has risen to a visible and dynamic presence
in the field of sex-for-hire, at least in the southern California scene.
She-males are genetic males who have altered and sculpted their bodies
by the use of hormones, and usually some combination of other means, so
as to present themselves in public appearance and demeanor as an attractive
woman. However, unlike transsexuals the she-male retains her penis
and testicles by choice and desire. When female hormone therapy is
conducted in a suitable way the she-male still retains penile erectile
function and pleasurable use. The information presented is from personal
interviews conducted by the authors with she-male prostitutes in the southern
California
area. Slides will be shown and many including nudity.
AN EXISTENTIAL-PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL
DESIRE
Johnny Dossett, M.A.
Sexual desire research may benefit from methods of inquiry with a different set of epistemological assumptions than those appropriate for the natural sciences. Because desire is subjective, an existential-phenomenological research strategy was chosen. Data was collected by phenomenological interview and analyzed to determine the thematic structure of the experience. Major findings include: (a) few differences in how men and women describe their experiences of sexual desire; (b) identification of different types of sexual desire, each with its own structural features; (c) changes in how desire is experienced over time; (d) a clearly spiritual dimension to desire for many participants; and (e) an assignment of greater importance to partner personality and emotional attributes than to physical features as sources of desire.
ATTACK FROM THE RIGHT: THE CENTER FOR SEX RESEARCH
James Elias, Veronica Elias, Vern Bullough
The Center for Sex Research came under attack for its conference on pornography. The joint audit committee of the state legislature held a hearing on the Conference a year after it occurred. The major witness was Judith Reisman, who had not attended the Conference.
Dr. Elias was requested NOT to attend this hearing by the Chancellor's Office. As a result, the committee was misled and voted to audit the Center and the Conference--not only for finances but for the content of the Conference on pornography. Thus, the Right is now attacking sex research through financial and political avenues rather than directly as in the past. As a way of attacking sex education and sex research this tactic will presumably be continued.
THE PATH TO SEXUAL WOMANHOOD: DISCOVERING AND DEVELOPING
EROTIC POTENTIAL IN CHILDHOOD AND BEYOND
Carol Rinkleib Ellison, Ph.D.
The foundations for healthy and fulfilling expressions of sexuality in adulthood are set down when we are very young. In this presentation I will discuss self-discovery, experimentation with friends and siblings, the permission and information we get from our peers, and how parents both facilitate and inhibit a girl's developing erotic potential. I will describe some of the ways these influences can be either helpful or misleading and harmful. I also will talk about girls' potential to learn orgasmic responsiveness in childhood and some developmental aspects of becoming orgasmic. My presentation will be informed by indepth interviews of women of ages nineteen to ninety and data from the Ellison/Zilbergeld Survey of 2,632 women born between 1905 and 1977. It will include specific examples from the experiences of the women I interviewed.
SWINGING: LIFESTYLE, PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, OR MEDIA CREATION?
Terry Gould
Every week-end, from Alaska to Florida, hundreds of swing clubs are
packed with middle-class married couples--social workers, physicians and
school teachers--who are part of a sexual subculture called "the lifestyle."
They have their own multimillion-dollar travel industry and stage huge
annual conventions. They have an overseeing body and a trade organization.
And they all believe they are living in a certain style that melds North
American values--matrimony, children, emotional monogamy--with North American
fantasies--acting like the stars and going to Bacchic parties.
Demystifying a lifestyle led by over three million North Americans,
award-winning investigative journalist Terry Gould discusses the research
behind his best-selling and ground-breaking book, The Lifestyle: A Look
at the Erotic Rites of Swingers. Is open eroticism between more
than two consenting adults natural sexual behavior? Why do husbands
become paradoxically aroused by their wive "flirtations" with other men?
Do the erotic rites of swingers serve a variety of social and biological
purposes? Using the latest findings of evolutionary theorists and anthropologists
to place swinging in an historical and biological context, Gould explains
why rituals identical to those in the lifestyle have been practiced for
thousands of years--and why those
rituals have been condemned by rulers, priests, and scribes who have
practiced those rites themselves.
FEAR OF THE PHALLUS: A LOOK AT DEVICES AND POTIONS
USED TO CONTROL AND CREATE ERECTIONS IN VICTORIAN AND POST-VICTORIAN AMERICA.
Jack Hafferkamp, Ph.D.
From after the Civil War to just before the Second World War, America had two basic answers to the "problems" caused by erections, and they more-or-less reflected where a man was positioned in his life. For young men, the primary goal was to prevent erections because they necessarily led to masturbation and spermatorrhoea, which were believed to cause both mental and physical deterioration. For older men faced with diminishing potency, the creation of erections often was equally important for one's sense of well being - at least in terms of the extremes to which men were willing to go to achieve their desired results. At their most outlandish, for example, Americans were applying radium to their genitals to restore "lost vigor." This presentation with slides examines the power of the phallus in Victorian and Post-Victorian male psyche in terms of the devices and concoctions used both to prevent erections in men who could have them and to create erections in men who could not.
LOOKING BACK ON SEXOLOGY: WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I DIDN’T KNOW THEN
Debra W. Haffner, M.P.H.
Debra W. Haffner has been President and CEO of SIECUS since June 1988. She is retiring from this position on May 31, 2000 to pursue developing a national ministry on sexuality and religion. She will reflect with us on changes on the status of sexuality in the United States over the past twelve years of her tenure at SIECUS, her observations of the sexology field, and offer her recommendations for the future.
COMPARISON OF ONLINE AND OFFLINE RELATIONSHIPS IN COLLEGE
STUDENTS
Roseann Hannon, Ph.D., David S. Hall, Ph.D., Holly Cacciapaglia, Sara
Swope, Vianey Gonzales
The development of various types of relationships online has generated considerable interest and commentary, as well as some empirical studies. Since online relationships will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in people's relationship networks in the future, understanding the extent and effects of such relationships is important, with potential negative effects of particular concern. The purpose of the present study was to examine amount of overall computer/Internet use and to compare various types of online relationships (close friendships, romantic, sexual, romantic + sexual) with their offline counterparts.
Participants were 222 female and 67 male students (M age = 19.7) residing on campus at a small private Northern California university. The questionnaire covered demographics; general computer and Internet use; number of close friendships, romantic, sexual, and romantic + sexual relationships; and a comparison of the single most intimate offline and online relationships.
Comparison of these relationships was made by having participants rate each on the same 17-item 7-point Likert scale modeled after Parks and Roberts (1998), using their Interdependence, Depth, and Commitment subscales. We added a sexual interaction subscale which we created. Data indicates significant differences between the offline and online relationship scale measures, with online relationships being less intimate than offline, and with no effect by gender. There appear to be significant differences by gender in measures of number of friendships, time spent in these relationships, and in time spent in various online activities (such as chat rooms, viewing sexually explicit materials, etc.). A number of participants indicate they have met people through the Internet and some of these relationships have become sexual.
SEX AND THE DUAL EARNER COUPLE: HAVE THE MEDIA DUPED
SEXOLOGISTS?
Janet Shibley Hyde, Ph.D.
The popular media portray the dual-earner couple as being in sexual trouble, having no time for sex or being too tired. Data on this question are reported from (1) the Wisconsin Maternity Leave and Health Project, a sample that was not recruited for sex research, and (2) the National Health and Social Life Survey (Laumann et al., 1994).
UNRESOLVED ISSUES IN SEX THERAPY & SEX COUNSELING
Marty Klein, Ph.D
Long-time practitioners of sexually-oriented psychotherapy and couples counseling notice that no matter how skilled or experienced we are, certain problems elude us. Situations we simply don't understand include why some people don't initiate enjoyable sex; why intimacy or anxiety are aphrodisiac for some and anaphrodisiac for others; and why some couples have hot monogamy and others don't.
Perhaps more importantly, sexology seems to underplay two groups of existential issues. Regardless of erections, orgasms, or communication skills, people must eventually come to terms with the inevitable decline of sexual abilities, the development of physical disability, the loss of the young, fertile partners they originally selected, and regrets about life choices. Similarly, clinicians have to deal with feeling envious of our patients, the restimulation of our personal losses, and the awful knowledge that there is a limit to how much and whom we can heal.
This presentation presents a framework within which clinicians can explore and, ultimately, resolve such fundamental issues.
HUMAN PHEROMONES: THE CHEMISTRY AND SCENT OF EROTICISM
James V. Kohl
This integrative biologically based literature review details a stimulus-response
cycle that allows olfactory input from the social environment to condition
nearly every aspect of human eroticism. A prenatally predisposed sexually
dimorphic neuroendocrine sequence allows mammalian, including human, pheromones
to elicit functional changes in pituitary and gonadal hormone
secretion. During development, these changes direct the concurrent
maturation of the neuroendocrine system, the central nervous system, and
the reproductive system. These systems coordinate properly timed reproductive
sexual behavior, and link pheromones to many associated behaviors.
Comparing the indirect effects of visual input to the direct effects of
olfactory input on hormonal correlates of erotic appeal provides evidence
that there is more to eroticism than meets the eye.
EROTIC MOTIVES AND EXPERIENCES OP SEX OFFENDERS
Noel R. Larson, Ph.D.
Offenders who use sex to violate others are often the criminals
most feared by the public, but are among the most intriguing clients for
therapists and researchers. What does it take to use sex, one of our most
powerful processes for connecting to other human beings, to hurt rather
than to love? What is the connection between victimization and later perpetration,
and why sex as the method? What is the magnetism that seems to draw victims
and perpetrators together, like a match made in hell? And if we think we
understand why men offend sexually based on our understanding of male sexual
socialization, why are we seeing an increase in female sexual offending?
Are the dynamics similar among women sex offenders? This session will explore
these questions in the context of an ecosystemic perspective of the perpetrator/victim
interaction pattern.
TREATING SEX OFFENDERS
Noel K. Larson, Ph.D.
Approaches to the treatment of sex offenders are among the most
varied of all treatment populations. What other client populations are
treated with aversive therapy (shock and noxious fumes); medical intervention
(chemical castration); behavior modification (CBT); empathy training; and
relapse prevention, to name only some of the approaches currently in vogue?
Additionally, the failure rates of many programs designed to treat sex
offenders are notoriously high. This session will explore a treatment approach
that focuses on “fixing what is broken? dynastically within sex offenders,
rather than simply managing or eliminating symptoms.
MEN TRAPPED IN MEN'S BODIES:
AUTOGYNEPHILIC EROTICISM AS A MOTIVE FOR SEEKING
SEX REASSIGNMENT
Anne Lawrence, M.D.
Biologic males seeking sex reassignment surgery (SRS) sometimes have histories of sexual arousal to crossdressing or cross-gender fantasy. Although Blanchard's concept of autogynephilia explained the relationship between sexual arousal to feminization and the desire for SRS, his theory is not widely known or accepted. This survey explored the role of autogynephilic eroticism in transsexual women's decisions to seek SRS.
Participants were recruited through the author's medical website for
transsexual women; their narratives were transmitted anonymously by a CGI
program. Over 100 responses were received.
Respondents reported that:
- autogynephilic feelings had often contributed to their decisions
to seek SRS;
- they were usually unwilling to disclose their feelings to caregivers;
- autogynephilic eroticism often continued after SRS;
- cross-gender feelings sometimes preceded overt autogynephilic arousal.
Conclusions: Male-to-female transsexuals sometimes seek SRS in response to their experience of sexual arousal associated with feminization.
RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY AND EROTICISM: WHAT THE
BIBLE TEACHES US ABOUT SEXUALITY
Ronald Levine, Ph.D.
The time is springtime. The setting is the city of Jerusalem, nestled against the Judean hills. The story is of two young lovers, caught in the throes of Eros. “And oh, may your breasts be like clusters of grapes on a vine, the scent of your breath like apricots, your mouth good wine.” “I am in the fever of love. His left hand beneath my head, his right arm holding me close”. These images from the Song of Songs, set the stage for our exploration of the nature and purpose of erotic imagery in the Bible. Commentators throughout the ages have used both allegory and euphemism to mute what is plainly one of the most powerfully erotic pieces of literature ever written. The question is: What is the Song of Songs doing in the Bible in the first place? What vision of sexuality does it present? How can we use its symbols and rituals to enhance and deepen our notions of sexuality? Using the Song of Songs as our basic text, we will explore how religion, spirituality and sexuality come together in the Biblical text to form an integrated whole.
INTERNET AFFAIRS: WHO? WHY? HOW?
Marlene M. Maheu, Ph.D.
As with many repercussions of technology, cyber-affairs, cyber-sex and cyber-infidelity have leap ahead of the scientific community's ability to examine these phenomena. Yet many practitioners are beginning to hear from patients who become involved in such forms of online sexuality. The types of people who become involved in these affairs, their motivations, and their online habits will be examined. The dynamics of falling in love with unseen, unheard, and essentially unknown lovers will also be examined. The typical progressions from email to telephone to face-to-face meetings will be discussed.
This presentation will look at the basics of cyber-affairs, and help the audience appreciate the complexities of this form of online sexuality. Vignettes from individuals who have experienced cyber-affairs will be used to illustrate various viewpoints. Results of an online survey with over 2000 respondents will also be discussed.
DYING TO PARTY, OR PARTYING FOR OUR LIVES? SEX, DRUGS,
AND ALL-NIGHT
GAY PARTIES
Andrew Mattison, MSW, Ph.D.
The author was invited by 3 party producers at 3 major North American
weekend long late night gay dance parties (circuit parties) to do surveys
of party patrons in the areas of 1) demographics, 2) HIV status, 3) chemical
use at parties, 4) sexual behavior during the party weekends, and 5) reasons
for attending the parties. 1200 patrons were surveyed. The purpose of this
investigation was to determine if health problems exist at late night parties
and, if problems do exist, what targeted behavioral interventions can be
developed to increase security, safety, education and health promotion
for the party patrons. The author will be joined by a major circuit party
producer, an after hours club owner, and a party patron. These individuals
will discuss “party smart” issues.
Andrew Mattison, MSW, Ph.D.
FEMALE HORMONES, PELVIC PAIN, AND SEXUAL INTEREST
Deborah Metzger, M.D.
Dyspareunia and hormone problems are two of the most overlooked
reasons for sexual dysfunction that may present to the sex therapist.
Vaginisimus is assumed to be a primary problem but in fact it is usually
secondary to either pain on entry (vulvovaginitis, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis
or vulvar fissuring) or deep pain (adhesions, endometriosis or symptomatic
retroverted uterus).
Hormonal problems can affect women of any age and may present
as lack of sexual interest, sexual dysfunction, depression or fatigue in
an otherwise good relationship. Abnormalities in sex hormones as well as
thyroid and adrenal hormones can be easily treated.
SEVEN FUNCTIONS OF EROS: WHY EROTICISM IS SO DIFFICULT
TO DEFINE
Jack Morin, Ph.D.
It is a fitting tribute to the rich complexity of eroticism that sexologists can't agree on what it is. The erotic experience can never be pinned down because it performs multiple, interacting functions, seven of which will be explored in this presentation: (1) symbolic/associative, (2) narrative, (3) evocative/restrictive, (4) political/subversive (5) connective/distancing, (6) healing/reparative, and (7) transcendent. Complicating matters further, each function arises from and stimulates a variety of changeable, often conflicting motivations and emotions. Any combination of functions can be used, with or without conscious awareness, to generate and shape arousal, regulate its intensity, and imbue it with meaning. The presenter will propose a definition of eroticism that seeks to do justice to its multifaceted nature.
PARAPHILIA AND SEX ORIENTATION: UNIFICATION IN THE
NEW MILLENNIUM?
Charles Moser, M.D., Ph.D.
The history of the concepts of paraphilia and sexual orientation, and their distinctive uses in psychiatry and sexology will be reviewed. The commonalities between sexual orientation and paraphilias will be used to propose a new unified model. The phenomena have the following commonalities: 1) They are immutable. 2) The individual lusts after the desired gender or paraphilia. 3) There is an emotional cost for not pursuing the behavior. 4) The sexual interest is necessary, but not sufficient for the individual to have a peak sexual experience. 5) The sexual interest is lifelong. The possible utility of the model to explain gender and gender dysphoria will also be explored. Alternatives to DSM classifications and criteria will be presented. The ramifications of these changes for sexological theory and clinical practice will be discussed.
NET LITERACY (& BEYOND) FOR SEXOLOGISTS
Erica C. Neuman, M.S.; Senior Producer, Sexuality Programming, ThriveOnline.com
/ Oxygen Media
"Responsible, reliable sexuality information on the Internet: Who are the 'Experts' anyway?" This workshop includes an overview of some of the sexuality experts working for the most popular Internet sites. What their credentials are, how they got there and how they portray healthy sexuality.
The session will include discussion of strategies for how sexologists can get more involved in this fairly new media. Participants will learn about the newest medium, converged media - the interaction and cross promotion between Internet and Television. Oxygen Media launched it's new cable network 02/02/2000. We will review video clips of how this interaction is working in it's infancy, discuss future convergence technology and strategize on how accurate sexuality and sexual health content is/will/can be included.
THE HUMAN ORGASM: A NEW PARADIGM
Herbert Otto, Ph.D.
Of the 513 men and women participating in this exploratory research
project, the level of education was high. One or more years of college,
college graduation, or advanced degrees were reported by 87% of the women
and 88% of the men. Over 300 interviews were conducted exclusively
for data collection.
Significant findings:
1. The human orgasm is not merely an autonomic nervous system discharge,
monolithic event, or reflex, totally beyond control of the individual.
"The orgasm is developmental - it can be formed, shaped, intensified and
extended."
2. Everyone who experiences an orgasm or climax (the terms are used
interchangeably), is a member of one of the following - they are either
mono-orgasmic, poly-orgasmic, or hetero-orgasmic.
3. Men are capable of six distinct types of orgasms; women can have
seven, with both also able to have a fusion and zone orgasm.
4. Eight new methods are available for extending and liberating the
orgasm spectrum.
MALE SEXUAL ANATOMY AND FUNCTIONING
Dr. Henry Ritter, Jr.
Dr. Ritter, a board certified urologist, will discuss the current status
of male erectile dysfunction. The presentation will include the need for
an adequate work-up for men presenting with this complaint since 15% of
such men have serious associated diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions,
diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancers of the urinary tract. Emphasis
will be placed upon the need for better communication between the treating
professional and the patient. Existing and future options will be discussed
in detail.
THE ROLE OF RITUAL IN ENHANCING EROTIC ENERGY: THE
ARCHETYPE OF THE GREAT MARRIAGE
Linda Savage, Ph.D.
The Great Marriage ritual of the ancient Goddess societies reflected
an erotic paradigm that integrated sex, spirit and community. It is also
an important archetype illustrating the role of ritual in enhancing erotic
opportunities. Whether practiced in Bronze Age Goddess cultures or in modern
Tantra, Kundalini Yoga and Chuluaqui-Quodoushka, among others, ritual has
distinct aspects that serve to shift the participants from ordinary to
extra-ordinary consciousness states. In addition, the rite of the Great
Marriage illustrates the role of community in providing the set (cultural
conditioning) and setting (environment) for the erotic encounter.
This presentation will describe the ancient rite of the Great Marriage, discuss the transformational role of preparatory rituals and ceremonies, and the involvement of community role in heightening eroticism. We will look at new research from evolutionary biology that suggests that community bonding, increased couple eroticism, and reduction of aggression can all be attributed to this erotic archetype.
FREE CORTISOL AND FREE TESTOSTERONE IN RELATIONSHIP
TO SEXUAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR IN YOUNG MEN
Payne, W. Spencer, Ph.D. and McCoy, Norma L., Ph.D.
mccoy@sfsu.edu Psych. Dept. 1600 Holloway Ave. SF, CA 94132-4160
Subjects were 102 men, ages 18-29. Saliva samples were obtained
for saliva free testosterone (T) and free cortisol and subjects completed
the Sociosexual Inventory (SOI), the Sexual Drive Questionnaire (SDQ),
the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the PERI Life Events Scale.
Subjects in the top third of the free T distribution scored significantly
higher on the SDQ and SOI than average T men. There was a significant
interaction between cortisol and T with men high for both T and cortisol
masturbating significantly more than average free T men with either medium
or high free cortisol. High free T men had significantly higher ratings
for sex drive, change in sex drive, level of sexual interest, and frequency
of sexual fantasies and thoughts. Our data suggest that men with
high free T have higher sexual motivation and more liberal sexual attitudes
toward casual and uncommitted sex than those with average free T.
EROTICISM FOR THE MASSES: JAPANESE MANGA COMICS
AND THEIR ASSIMILATION INTO THE U.S.
Timothy Perper, PhD and Martha Cornog, MA, MS
"Manga"--Japanese serial narrative cartoons--are a major component of modern Japanese culture. Some have a strong marketing presence in the U.S. (like "Sailor Moon"), including numerous sexually explicit manga. We will illustrate with romantic manga, such as "Oh My Goddess" and "Shadow Lady," and sexually explicit manga such as "Misty Girl Extreme" and "Bondage Fairies." Sexual episodes in manga are strikingly different from those in American comics, lacking dualistic notions that "sex is bad, chastity is good." Deriving partly from Taoism, sexual ideologies in manga strongly emphasize sexual enjoyment by both men and women, unlike Western ideals stressing reproduction and female passionlessness. We hope that knowledge of manga in the U.S. leads to greater acceptance of sexuality, freedom from dualistic thinking, recognition of strong and powerful women, and appreciation for types of erotic imagery that have made Japan the richest source today of original, innovative, and marvelous erotic art.
SOMATIC-EXPERIENTIAL SEX THERAPY: METHODS FOR TEACHING
INTERNALIZED AROUSAL SKILLS
Stella Resnick, Ph.D.
By learning to observe the phenomena of their inner, body-based experience, rather than measure sex by performance standards, clients can learn to relax and become more allowing of pleasure and excitement. When clients resist or sabotage homework in therapy it often is due to pleasure-anxiety, the fear of letting go. Our clients need methods for tuning into the sensations in their bodies, recognizing how they get themselves to tighten up, and learning how to breathe and relax into the increased excitation.
This workshop will explore the phenomenology of passion and eroticism. Specific methods will be offered for therapists working within any modality which can be integrated into the work you already do. These include Sexual Breath Control, Erotic Process-Awareness exercises, exploring a couple’s Tacit Sexual Contract, and learning to use the Sexual Excitement Continuum—a tool for building arousal slowly and maximizing erotic explorations.
CONTENTS OF LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL WOMEN'S FANTASIES
AND RELATIONSHIP FUNCTIONING
Jessica Robinson-Milne, M.A., Carlton W. Parks, Ph.D.
The objective of this study is to document the factor structure generated from the thematic content categories of sexual fantasies and their association to relationship functioning within a national sample of lesbian and bisexual women in a couple relationship for a least 6 months. It is expected that the factor structure generated from the thematic content categories of sexual fantasies will be positively related to measures of relationship functioning used by Kurdek in his national sample. This sample consisted of 85 lesbian and 44 bisexual women cohabiting with their partner for at least 6 months. These women (94% Euro-Americans) were recruited through advertisements placed in national periodicals. The mean age for this sample was between 25 and 30 years of age, and their relationship length was between 5 and 10 years. The implications of these findings for future research and culturally-informed clinical practice will be discussed.
THE SEXUAL MALE: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Julian Slowinski, Psy.D., ABPP
This workshop is based on a new book of the same title, which is co-authored by the presenter. We know that Viagra is not the panacea for all sexual and relationship problems. Much ignorance about male (and female) sexual functioning remains. This workshop will address the evaluation and treatment of male erectile disfunction (ED) from a bio-psycho-social overview. It will stress sexual health and prevention of ED through a better understanding of the medical, psychological and relationship factors surrounding ED. The effects of ED on the partner will also be addressed. Sexual dysfunctions in women and their effect on both the woman and her partner will be presented. The workshop will not require active participation or personal disclousure by attendees, but active discussion will be possible.
LOVE AND LUST IN THE COUNTERTRANSFERENCE
Marian Solomon, Ph.D.
We are acutely aware of the potential for harm if therapists act on sexual impulses with patients. At the same time we recognize the importance of attuning to countertransference responses to understand the internal experience of patients.
Erotic feelings may be indications of a wide range of underlying needs and emotions; including indications of sexual abuse, maternal sensual needs and transferences, the therapists own erotic responses, and/or some combination of each. If we deny our own feelings, or if we cannot talk about such feelings to our colleagues, we may miss important information about unconscious needs, fears, and desires of the patient. The failure to integrate our understanding of erotic feelings into the process of therapy can diminish the usefulness of the work.
This presentation attempts to bring such issues into the open for consideration and discussion. It examines how needs for intimacy, distraction, expressions of dependency, aggression and narcissism can become sexualized during treatment. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss various therapeutic strategies in dealing with erotic feelings in psychotherapy.
FACIAL SYMMETRY, SYMMETRY, AND SEXUAL ATTRACTION
Randy Thornhill, Ph.D
Research over the last 10 years reveals that bilateral symmetry is an important component of what biologists call "fitness" (an individual's design for performance in its environment) across many species of animals from insects to humans. Bilateral symmetry of the body and face is significantly involved in human attractiveness and attraction, apparently because symmetric mates were more fit throughout human evolutionary history. The role of symmetry in human attractiveness is reviewed with emphasis on the author's studies of symmetry's relationship to number of sex partners, body scent (pheromonal) attractiveness to the opposite sex, female copulatory orgasm, facial attractiveness, and extra-marital matings. These studies have involved college students and pre-industrial human populations.
THE CONTOURS OF EROTICISM: THE ROLE OF SEXUALITY AMONG
WOMEN WITH
BREAST CANCER
Andrew S. Walters, Ph.D., MPH; Gail M. Williamson, Ph.D.
In the United States breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In 1997, 46,000 women died from the disease. Roughly three-quarters of women survive breast cancer 5 yearsafter diagnosis. The majority of these women - if given adequate medical care - can expect recovery. Nonetheless, a diagnosis with breast cancer is a life-altering event and affects women and their families at multiple levels. Available evidence suggests that adaptation to diagnosis and treatment varies widely and that a number of social as well as physical variables contribute to higher psychiatric adjustment and functional ability. Substantially little research exists on cancer-related changes in sexuality. In the current study, we interviewed 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer and included both quantitative and qualitative measures. Our findings suggest that sexual satisfaction remains an important component to women's lives. Results suggest that sexual information and counseling during the rehabilitation process may serve as an efficient opportunity for intervention that is meaningful to patients' experiences and may improve their quality of life.
TOWARD A NEW DEFINITION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION: BISEXUAL
PASSIONS, UNIVERSAL DESIRES
Jim Weinrich, Ph.D. and Fritz Klein, M.D.
Sexual orientation has traditionally been defined as the answer to a question about a single sexual partner, such as: "What is the sex of the person(s) to whom you are most strongly sexually attracted?" Our investigation into types of relationships preferred by people of different sexual orientations suggests that an important sexual orientation variable is missing from this concept. The old definition pertains to the sex of the one individual by whom one is most aroused. The new definition also records the sex which would be maximally arousing if an additional individual is added to the sexually interacting pair (i.e., in a threesome).
This refinement predicts behaviors and explains phenomena in the bisexual community which are not a tautological consequence of the definition itself. We will present data fleshing out this idea, discuss consequences of the idea for concepts of passion and sexual orientation, and solicit suggestions for future research.
STRANGER THAN FICTION: HETEROAFFECTIONAL BONDING IN
QUEER CULTURE.
Winston Wilde, MA, DHS
Qualitative research into queer lovestyles has revealed patterns; one of these being heteroaffectional. Through the narratives of historical case studies, reasons emerge as to why opposite gendered queer people "pair-bond." In the chaotic ecology of queerdom and in the infinite possibilities of love, this is not meant to be a definitive declaration, rather an exploration of uncharted territory.
THE IMPACT OF SKIN COLOR AND HAIR TEXTURE AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN
MEN AND WOMEN DURING MATE SELECTION ON THE EXPRESSION OF RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS.
Kamilah M. Woodson, B.A. and Carlton W. Parks, Ph.D.
Researchers have failed to simultaneously assess the impact of skin color and hair texture on the mate selection process of heterosexual African-American adults. Woodson (1999) revealed that skin color was more important than hair texture in the mate selection process among heterosexual African-American men attending a Los Angeles Singles' Ministry in a Baptist Church. This study will sample 200 African-American heterosexual men and women obtained from airports throughout the United States. They will be assessed with respect to their demographic characteristics, self-esteem, and the relative importance of demographic, external (e.g. skin color and hair texture), and personality characteristics on the mate selection process, and the expression of risky sexual behaviors. It is expected that external characteristics will have a significant impact on the expression of risky sexual behaviors among heterosexual African-American men. The implications of these findings for clinical practice will be discussed.