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Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselvessexually. This involvesbiological,psychological,physical,erotic,emotional,social, orspiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term which has varied within different historical contexts, it lacks a precise definition. The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern thehuman reproductive functions, including thehuman sexual response cycle.
Someone'ssexual orientation is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite and/or same sex. Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations oflove, trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human society on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical,moral,ethical, and religious aspects of life.
Interest in sexual activity normally increases when an individual reachespuberty. Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors. This is further supported by cross-cultural evidence because the incidence ofhomosexuality is not significantly higher in cultures that are more tolerant of it.
Evolutionary perspectives on human coupling, reproduction andreproduction strategies, andsocial learning theory provide further views of sexuality. Sociocultural aspects of sexuality includehistorical developments andreligious beliefs. Some cultures have been described assexually repressive. The study of sexuality also includes human identity within social groups,sexually transmitted infections (STIs), andbirth control methods. (Full article...)
Paraphilia is the experience of intensesexual arousal to atypical objects, situations, or individuals. No consensus has been found for any precise border between unusual personal sexual tastes and paraphilic ones. There is debate over which, if any, of the paraphilias should be listed in diagnostic manuals, such as theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or theInternational Classification of Diseases.
The number and taxonomy of paraphilias is under debate; one source lists as many as 549 types of paraphilias. Several sub-classifications of the paraphilias have been proposed, and some argue that a fully dimensional, spectrum or complaint-oriented approach would better reflect the evidence.(Full article...)
August - December 2009
For editor resources and to collaborate with other editors on improving Wikipedia's Human sexuality-related articles, seeWikiProject Sexology and sexuality.
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