| CODE | PSY2626 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Psychology of Sexuality | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 2 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit offers an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted aspects influencing human sexuality, including psychological, social, cultural, relational, and physiological factors, approached from both theoretical and research-based perspectives. Students will engage with contemporary research and theories to understand the complexities of human sexuality. Study-Unit Aims: - To provide a comprehensive understanding of human sexual anatomy and the sexual response cycle. - To explore the biopsychosocial model of human sexuality, integrating biological, psychological, and social perspectives. - To examine gender, sexual, and relationship diversity and their implications for individuals and society. - To address sexual problems within intimate relationships from a systemic perspective. - To educate on effective sex education methods and contraception options. - To identify and understand sexual dysfunctions and appropriate sex therapy techniques. - To explore the impact of chronic illness and cancer on sexuality. - To analyze the psychological effects of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). - To investigate variations in sexual behavior and their psychological implications. - To engage with current research in the field of sexuality, examining emerging trends and future directions. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding: - Understand and articulate the complex interplay of psychological, social, cultural, relational, and physiological factors in human sexuality. - Analyze human sexual anatomy and response through various theoretical models. - Apply the biopsychosocial model to explain human sexuality comprehensively. - Appreciate and critically discuss gender, sexual, and relationship diversity. - Address sexual problems within intimate relationships using a systemic approach. - Evaluate the effectiveness of different sex education methods and contraception options. - Identify and treat sexual dysfunctions using appropriate therapeutic techniques. - Discuss the impact of chronic illness and cancer on sexual health and develop strategies to address these issues. - Analyze the psychological effects of STIs and consider the associated mental health challenges. - Explore variations in sexual behavior and their psychological implications. - Engage with current research in the field of sexuality, understanding emerging trends and future directions. Course Outline: 1. Human Sexual Anatomy - Detailed examination of human sexual anatomy and its implications for understanding sexuality. 2. Human Sexual Response - In-depth understanding of desire, arousal, and orgasm. - Examination of various models explaining sexual response. 3. Biopsychosocial Model of Sexuality - Integration of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding human sexuality. - Comprehensive analysis of how these factors interact to shape sexual experiences and behaviors. 4. Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity - Exploration of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. - Examination of societal attitudes and their impact on individuals and relationships. 5. Intimate Relationships and Sexual Problems - Systemic approach to understanding and addressing sexual problems within intimate relationships. - Discussion of common relational dynamics and their influence on sexual health. 6. Sex Education and Contraception - Overview of sex education approaches and their effectiveness. - Analysis of contraception methods and their role in sexual health. 7. Sexual Dysfunctions and Sex Therapy - Identification and treatment of common sexual dysfunctions. - Overview of sex therapy techniques and their application. 8. Sexuality After Chronic Illness or Cancer - Impact of chronic illness and cancer on sexuality. - Strategies for addressing sexual health concerns in these contexts. 9. Psychological Effects of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Examination of the psychological impact of STIs on individuals. - Discussion of stigma and mental health considerations. 10. Variations in Sexual Behavior - Exploration of diverse sexual behaviors and practices. - Examination of societal attitudes and the psychological implications of these behaviors. 11. Current Sex Research - Review of contemporary research in the field of sexuality. - Discussion of emerging trends and future directions in sex research. Suggested reading list: - Anzani, A., Sacchi, S., & Prunas, A. (2021). Microaggressions towards lesbian and transgender women: Biased information gathering when working alongside gender and sexual minorities. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(9), 2027鈥�2040. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23140. - Anyadike-Danes, N., Reynolds, M., Armour, C., & Lagdon, S. (2024). Defining and measuring sexual consent within the context of University Students鈥� unwanted and nonconsensual sexual experiences: A systematic literature review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(1), 231-245. - Bering, J. (2013). Perv: The sexual deviant in all of us. Penguin Random House: London. -Borg, C., de Jong, P. J., & Mazza, M. (2012). Feelings of disgust and disgust-induced avoidance weaken following induced sexual arousal in women. PloS one,7 (9), 44111-44111. - Catania, A. M., Sammut Scerri, C. & Catania, G.J. (2018). Men鈥檚 experience of their partners鈥� breast cancer diagnosis, breast surgery and oncological treatment. Journal of Clinical of Nursing, 28(9-10), 1899-1910. - Erick Janssen & John Bancroft (2023) The Dual Control Model of Sexual Response: A Scoping Review, 2009鈥�2022, The Journal of Sex Research, 60:7, 948-968, DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2219247. - Guo, W., Liao, C., Zou, Y., Li. F., Li, T., Zhou, Q. Cao, Y. & Mao, X. (2010). Erectile dysfunction and risk of clinical cardiovascular events: A meta-analysis of seven cohort studies. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(8), 2805-2816. - Jung, K. & Steil, R. (2011). The feeling of being contaminated in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and its treatment via a two-session programme of cognitive re-structuring and imagery modification 鈥� A case study. Sage Journals, 36(1), 67-86. - Ling, J., & Kasket, E. (2016). Let's talk about sex: a critical narrative analysis of heterosexual couples' accounts of low sexual desire. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 31(3), 325鈥�343. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2016.1152357 - Sexual disorders (2022) An Introduction: https://link-springer-com.ejournals.um.edu.mt/book/10.1007/978-3-658-35721-4 - Siboni, L., Prunas, A., & Anzani, A. (2023). "He Helped Me in Discovering Myself." Rethinking and Exploring Sexual and Gender Identity in Trans-Inclusive Relationships. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 49(2), 208鈥�228. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2022.2092568 - Maxwell, S., Shahmanesh, M., & Gafos, M. (2019). Chemsex behaviours among men who have sex with men: A systematic review of the literature. The International Journal of Drug Policy, 63, 74鈥�89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.014 - Williams, M., & Addis, G. (2021). Addressing patient sexuality issues in cancer and palliative care. British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 30(10), S24鈥揝28. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.10.S24 |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Anna Catania |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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