From Yesterday to Today: Sexual Myths
As living beings, we require various resources to sustain our lives. In order to identify human needs, various studies have been conducted, and in 1943, Abraham H. Maslow introduced the “Hierarchy of Needs” into the literature. The hierarchy of needs consists of 5 levels, and Maslow argued that we move on to the next level when the needs at the relevant level are met.
These needs are as follows:
Level: Physiological Needs
Level: Safety Needs Level: Love and Belongingness
Level: Esteem Needs
Level: Self-Actualization
At the 1st level, we see physiological needs. Physiological needs include breathing, eating, drinking, sleeping, and sexual needs. So, why is sexuality, which is a basic need like eating and drinking, stigmatized, not openly discussed, and even ignored in our lives? Let’s start by understanding what sexuality is; the World Health Organization defines sexuality as “a phenomenon arising from the composition of enriching effects on personality, interpersonal communication, and love, derived from physical, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects.” Sexuality is directly or indirectly influenced by psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious, and biological factors. Due to the cultural structure of the geography we live in, our ways of acquiring information about sexuality are quite limited. Our sources of acquiring sexual knowledge during adolescence are listed as follows in research:
*peers,
*families (mostly from older siblings),
*school,
*internet, newspapers, magazines, and pornographic publications.
It has been observed that the information acquired during adolescence can lead to misinformation, emotional conflicts such as anger, fear, anxiety, guilt in adulthood. These misconceptions about sexuality have led to the formation of various myths in the worlds of adolescents (not only adolescents but also adults).
The literal meaning of the myth is defined as a folk tale, a concept or person that is traditionally transmitted or undergoes a symbolic expression influenced by the imagination of society. Sexual myths can be defined as attitudes and judgments that individuals think are correct about sexuality, mostly exaggerated, without scientific basis, and that restrict the free experience of sexuality, in a wrong, stereotyped way. Sexual myths are commonly seen in society. They vary between cultures and societies and also among individuals. We see that sexual myths are transmitted from generation to generation, especially in cultures and societies with a cultural, traditional, and closed structure. Thus, we witness that these myths become more widespread. With the widespread myths, individuals may enter into unrealistic expectations, feel inadequate as a result of expectations, and various anxiety disorders and sexual dysfunction may occur.
Common Sexual Myths in Our Society
*Menopause eliminates sexual desire.
*Sexuality ends with old age.
*Intercourse should not be performed during pregnancy; it harms the baby.
* Masturbation is dirty and harmful.
*Men are always ready for sex and want sex at any moment.
*The one who initiates the sexual intercourse, manages it during sex, and knows everything is the man.
*To show masculinity and sexual power, one must frequently engage in sexual intercourse.
*If a man has an erection problem, it is because he does not find the woman attractive.
*The size of a man’s penis is directly related to the level of pleasure obtained.
*Talking should not be done during sexual intercourse as it will distract.
*Sexual intercourse should only end with both parties having an orgasm.
*Sexual intercourse means penetration.
*Women have low sexual desire.
*A woman who initiates sex is immoral.
*Every man should know how to pleasure any woman.
*A man or woman should never say no to sex.
*If a sexual problem occurs once, it means it will recur.
*The first sexual intercourse is very challenging for women. It can be dangerous for women.
*If there is no bleeding during the first sexual intercourse, the woman is not a virgin.
*Kissing, touching, and similar closeness can result in pregnancy.
*Spouses who are in sexual intercourse instinctively know what the other thinks and wants. *Intercourse should always be natural and spontaneous; talking about, thinking about, or fantasizing about it disrupts it.
*An aroused man should ejaculate; if not, it is harmful.
*All physical closeness should end with intercourse.
*The desire for sexual intercourse should always be expressed by the man.
Due to the widespread myths, individuals may have unrealistic expectations. When these unrealistic expectations affect our mental health and sexual life, seeking psychological support will ensure a healthier life.
Meltem GÜNDÜZ
Clinical Psychologist
University: Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology (With Honors)
Expertise: Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Institute of Social Sciences, Clinical Psychology
Uzman Bilgisi
Psy. Meltem GUNDUZ
Clinical Psychologist
- Üniversite : Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Istanbul Aydın University (Honors Degree)
- Uzmanlık : Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Institute of Social Sciences, Clinical Psychology
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From Yesterday to Today: Sexual Myths
As living beings, we require various resources to sustain our lives. In order to identify human needs, various studies have …