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Learning Project 3

Precious Hart

California State University Dominguez Hills

PSY-368-40-Human Sexuality-24415

Professor Griselda Zermino

May 4, 2025
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Learning Project #3

Chapter 12: Sexual Development Throughout Life

Chapter 12 explores sexual development from infancy through older adulthood. Sexuality

begins in infancy, where children experience body-based sensations and start learning about their

own bodies. Touch is a major form of communication and pleasure. As children grow, they often

explore their bodies, including masturbation, which is developmentally normal. By age 3–6,

children may also explore others' bodies through games like “playing doctor.” According to

researchers like Kinsey, sexual behavior is not unusual in early childhood, although social

reactions may vary. In preadolescence (ages 7–12), children begin forming stronger friendships

and learning gender roles, and curiosity about sex may continue. Many begin to learn from peers,

media, and school-based education. The onset of puberty marks adolescence, characterized by

hormonal changes in testosterone and estrogen that cause physical transformations (e.g., growth

of pubic hair, breast development, voice changes). During adolescence, individuals often form

romantic relationships, begin sexual activity, and explore their sexual identity. Masturbation is

common and becomes a private expression of sexual interest. Important concepts during this

stage include menarches, nocturnal emissions, and the establishment of sexual orientation.

In early adulthood, individuals often form more intimate, long-term relationships. Sexual

expression is influenced by emotional maturity, values, and life experiences. Marriage,

cohabitation, and casual relationships are all common in this stage, and sexual satisfaction often

depends on communication and emotional connection. In middle and late adulthood, aging

brings physical and hormonal changes, like menopause and reduced testosterone, but many

people remain sexually active. While frequency may decrease, satisfaction often remains stable.

Health conditions, medication, and emotional intimacy play large roles in sexual function.
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Positive aging includes maintaining intimacy, touch, and sexual communication. Key terms

include puberty, adolescence, menopause, sexual orientation, intimacy, sexual identity,

cohabitation, and sexual satisfaction. Understanding that sexual development is lifelong,

dynamic, and influenced by biology, relationships, and culture is central to this chapter.

Chapter 13: Sexual Victimization

Chapter 13 focuses on sexual victimization, including sexual assault, rape, coercion, and

harassment. It opens with definitions: sexual assault refers to unwanted sexual contact, while

rape typically involves penetration without consent. Legal definitions of rape vary by state, but

all emphasize lack of consent. Acquaintance rape, also known as date rape, is especially common

on college campuses, where many assaults involve alcohol or drugs. Social myths, such as the

belief that women provoke rape by dressing provocatively or that men can’t control themselves,

are debunked. These myths contribute to victim-blaming and discourage reporting. The chapter

explores how gender roles, media portrayals, and toxic masculinity can influence attitudes

toward consent and responsibility. Research shows most rapes are committed by someone the

victim knows, and a significant percentage are never reported due to fear, shame, or disbelief.

Another important topic is statutory rape, which involves sexual activity with a person

below the age of legal consent. The chapter also discusses child sexual abuse, including signs,

consequences, and strategies for prevention. Survivors of abuse may experience PTSD,

depression, substance abuse, and difficulties in relationships. Sexual harassment is another form

of victimization, often occurring in workplaces or schools. It includes unwanted sexual

comments, advances, or actions that create a hostile environment. Laws such as Title IX and the

Clery Act have strengthened protections in educational settings.

The chapter emphasizes the importance of consent, which is freely given, informed, and

ongoing. Prevention includes consent education, bystander intervention, and challenging harmful

gender norms. Victim support through counseling, crisis hotlines, and trauma-informed care is

essential for recovery. Key terms include acquaintance rape, statutory rape, consent, sexual

harassment, sexual assault, PTSD, victim-blaming, toxic masculinity, and bystander intervention.

This chapter encourages a comprehensive understanding of how to prevent sexual violence and

support survivors.

Chapter 14: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Safer Sex Practices

Chapter 14 examines sexually transmitted infections (STIs), their prevention,

transmission, symptoms, and public health implications. It begins by differentiating between

bacterial STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) and viral STIs (e.g., HPV, herpes,

HIV/AIDS). Bacterial STIs are generally curable with antibiotics, while viral STIs can be

managed but not cured. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like

infertility, chronic pain, and cancer. The chapter explains common transmission routes, such as

vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and emphasizes that STIs can be asymptomatic. Many people are

unaware they’re infected, which increases the likelihood of transmission. Regular screening,

especially for sexually active individuals under 25, is recommended. HPV, the most common

STI, can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Vaccines like Gardasil are effective in

prevention. HIV is discussed in detail, including its transmission via blood, semen, vaginal

fluids, and breast milk. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to live long,

healthy lives and significantly reduces transmission risk. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is also

highlighted as a preventive option for at-risk populations.

Safer sex practices, such as using condoms, limiting partners, getting tested regularly, and

communicating with partners, are emphasized. Barriers to prevention include stigma, lack of

education, and limited access to healthcare. The chapter also discusses abstinence and mutual

monogamy as effective preventive strategies. Public health campaigns, school-based education,

and community outreach are vital for STI prevention. The chapter advocates for comprehensive

sex education that includes STI awareness, contraception, and consent. Key terms include STI,

HIV, HPV, chlamydia, herpes, PrEP, ART, asymptomatic, transmission, vaccine, and safe sex.

Understanding these terms helps students make informed decisions and reduce stigma. The

chapter ultimately stresses the importance of proactive and respectful sexual health behaviors to

protect both individual and community well-being.

References

Hock, R. R. (2024). Human sexuality (5th Ed). Pearson.