CNL-530 Topic 1: Sexual Behavior Throughout History Worksheet
Directions: After reading your required textbook readings for the week, respond to the questions below. Each response should be at least 250 words in length. Include a minimum of two scholarly sources in your responses and an associated APA reference note for each source at the end of the worksheet.
- Select a historical perspective on human sexuality (i.e., Taoism, ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians, etc.) What are the cultural attitudes toward male and female sexuality for the selected perspective? What are the roles of men and women for the selected perspective?
- Select another historical perspective on human sexuality (i.e., Taoism, ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians, etc.) that is different from the one selected for question one. What are the cultural attitudes toward male and female sexuality for the selected perspective? What are the roles of men and women for the selected perspective?
- As counselors, it is important to utilize the biopsychosocial perspective to understand clients in terms of their sexual health. Create a fictional case conceptualization that includes a scenario of a client seeking help for a sex-related topic such as low libido, anxiety surrounding sexual encounters, questions about sexual orientation, and so forth. Next, provide an evidence-based treatment from a specific theoretical perspective that may be appropriate for this client. Include the case conceptualization and an evidence-based treatment for the fictional client in your response.
CNL-530 Topic 1: Sexual Behavior throughout History Worksheet
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- Select a historical perspective on human sexuality (i.e., Taoism, ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians, etc.) What are the cultural attitudes toward male and female sexuality for the selected perspective? What are the roles of men and women for the selected perspective?
In ancient Greece, the perspectives that people had about sexuality differed depending on their gender. The cultural attitudes on female sexuality were surrounded by heavy stigmatization. Female sexuality was barely talked about in society. The main role of women was to produce children for their husbands. Marriages were traditionally arranged by the women’s fathers. Girls got married when they were around 16 years old and were often married off to their fathers’ associates or their paternal uncles. Married women were advised against leaving their husband’s houses or they would be accused of infidelity (Wells, 2021).
Male sexuality was viewed more liberally. While their wives remained to be their household guardians and child bearers, it was acceptable for men to engage in sexual relations outside their marriage without being accused of unfaithfulness. Men were allowed to keep mistresses who would pleasure them and even concubines to care for them. Men would hold parties where prostitutes would be hired for entertainment. Homosexual acts were also acceptable among men. Most homosexual relationships did not include men of the same age. Instead, men engaged in sexual relationships with adolescent boys although the attractiveness of such boys would diminish as they got older and grew body hair. The sexual relationships would be approved by the boys’ fathers and were regarded as a way of educating and initiating men into society. Sexuality in ancient Greek is also depicted in their art. It is common to encounter Greek statues that are essentially erotic images (Wells, 2021).
- Select another historical perspective on human sexuality (i.e., Taoism, ancient Greeks, Romans, Christians, etc.) that is different from the one selected for question one. What are the cultural attitudes toward male and female sexuality for the selected perspective? What are the roles of men and women for the selected perspective?
Taoist attitudes and beliefs about sexuality were based on an inclusive and liberal approach. The Tao believed that sexual skills should be developed through practice. For example, the Emperors sought sexual advice from women. The people described sexual anatomy in loving terms and sexuality was not a taboo or an issue of morality. Rather, sexuality was viewed as important to the health and well-being of each individual. Taoists did not believe that women should have sex just to please men. Sexual acts were beneficial to both partners if women were stimulated. When men and women engaged in sexual activity, they would release sexual energy called ‘Jing’. Female stimulation and pleasure create more ‘Jing’ for men to absorb. Ancient texts explain that men could extend their lives using sex where they absorbed the vital energies of the women hence it was beneficial for men to engage in as many sexual encounters as possible. Women remained strong during the sexual act because their energies were inexhaustible. On the other hand, men were advised to conserve their sexual energy by controlling ejaculation. Ejaculatory fluids were believed to be the vital life force and excessive loss was attributed to disease, premature aging, and constant fatigue. Some Taoists even developed a formula that would determine how many times men could ejaculate to remain healthy. Men and women could have multiple sexual partners. Engaging in sexual encounters with young female virgins, especially those who had not begun menstruating, was a way that men could elongate their lives. Some women also had sex with young male virgins as a way of nourishing and enhancing their sexual energy (Kirkland, 2012).
- As counselors, it is important to utilize the biopsychosocial perspective to understand clients in terms of their sexual health. Create a fictional case conceptualization that includes a scenario of a client seeking help for a sex-related topic such as low libido, anxiety surrounding sexual encounters, questions about sexual orientation, and so forth. Next, provide an evidence-based treatment from a specific theoretical perspective that may be appropriate for this client. Include the case conceptualization and evidence-based treatment for the fictional client in your response.
A couple sought help because the male partner was experiencing anxiety about sexual encounters with his wife. The male partner reported that he felt that he was no longer able to satisfy his wife hence he dreaded every encounter. Upon further assessment, the male partner revealed that he had lost his job three months ago and could no longer make a significant financial contribution to the house and felt that his wife detested him for it. His wife, on the other hand, claimed that she did not detest him but was concerned that her husband was no longer interested in her since he no longer talked to her and preferred keeping to himself.
The selected treatment approach is incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in couples’ sex therapy. As per Bilal and Abbasi (2020), CBT ensures that couples talk about the causes of stress in their relationships, the feelings they have about these situations, and the factors that trigger these feelings. CBT also facilitates the identification of any escape and avoidance behaviors and any core beliefs held by each partner that impact sex. In the scenario, the couple needs to identify the negative thought patterns that impact their communication and sexual encounters. The husband’s sexual anxiety may be caused by inadequate feelings due to loss of employment. Therefore, it is important to ensure that he changes these negative thought patterns and communicates his feelings to his wife in a healthy manner. Additionally, the therapy process should help the couple identify their belief patterns and how they impact their communication and sexual patterns and set appropriate goals for change.
References
Bilal, A., & Abbasi, N. (2020). Cognitive Behavioral Sex Therapy: An Emerging Treatment Option for Nonorganic Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men: A Feasibility Pilot Study. Sexual Medicine, 8(3), 396-407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.05.005
Kirkland, R. (2012). Chinese Religion: Taoism. Oxford Textbook of Spirituality in Healthcare, 19-24. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199571390.003.0003
Wells, O. (2021). Love, Sex, & Marriage in Ancient Greece. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1713/love-sex–marriage-in-ancient-greece/.