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{{BioPsy}}
 
{{BioPsy}}
   
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'''Sexual arousal''', or '''sexual excitement''', is an aspect of [[Psychosexual behavior]] and is the arousal of sexual desires in anticipation for [[human sexual behavior|sexual activity]]. Sexual arousal usually leads to physiological changes in the aroused person, some of which are pronounced while others are more subtle.
'''Sexual arousal''' is the process and state of an animal being ready for [[sexual intercourse]].
 
  +
 
 
== Human sexual arousal ==
 
== Human sexual arousal ==
  +
People can be sexually aroused by different things and in a variety of situations. An arousal may be physical or mental in nature. A person may be sexually aroused by another person or by particular aspects of that person (eg.: hair color, build, smell, smile, etc) or by a non-human object.
Unlike most other animals, [[human]] beings of both sexes are potentialy capable of sexual arousal throughout the year, and there is therefore no human [[mating season]]. Things that precipitate human sexual arousal are commonly known as '''turn-ons'''. Given the right stimulation, sexual arousal in humans will typically end in an [[orgasm]], but may be pursued for its own sake, even in the absence of an orgasm.
 
   
  +
When a person is sexually aroused by another person, it may be seen as an indicator of that person's [[sexual orientation]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} When sexual arousal is achieved by or dependent on the use of objects, it is referred to as [[sexual fetishism]]. This also includes sexual arousal which arises from another person's body part.
=== Causes of human sexual arousal ===
 
:''See also: [[Sexual attraction]]''
 
''Includes, but is not limited to:''
 
* The [[physical attractiveness]], [[eye contact]], [[odor|smell]], [[warmth]], and [[touch]] of a (potential) sexual partner
 
* Feeling sexy, desired
 
* Sexual [[foreplay]]
 
* Erotic [[thought]]s, [[Sexual fantasy|fantasies]] or [[dream]]s
 
* Presence of [[sexual fetish|fetished]] objects
 
* [[Pornography]]
 
* [[Erotica]]
 
* [[Sex in advertising]]
 
* [[Masturbation]]
 
* [[Sexual roleplaying]]
 
* [[Voyeurism]]
 
* [[Exhibitionism]], particularly being [[indecent exposure|flashed]] an otherwise [[private parts|taboo part]] of the body, such as the [[breasts]], [[buttocks]] or [[genitalia]] — arousal in this case most often happens when a [[woman]] flashes a person or group of people of the opposite (or, in the case of [[lesbian]] viewers, sometimes the same) [[gender|sex]]. Evidence of the popular extent of this arousal is evident in the popularity in [[Western society]] of the [[Girls Gone Wild]] enterprise and similar products.
 
   
  +
Most people are sexually aroused by a physical stimulation of an [[erogenous zone]], especially if it is accompanied with the anticipation of imminent [[sexual activity]].
=== Signs of possible human sexual arousal ===
 
  +
*Among both genders
 
  +
In addition, some people may find [[nudity]], [[erotica]] and [[pornography]] sexually arousing, though what aspect different people find arousing will vary. Most heterosexual males are visually stimulated by female nudity or partial nudity, while some heterosexual females are stimulated by the state of romance with their partner.<ref>Dobson, Dr. James. "What are the differences in sexual desire and preferences between males and females". [[Focus on the Family]]. 2008-12-26 http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1074.</ref> According to the marital and sex therapist, David Schnarch, intimacy, the honest portrayal of the two people joining in the sexual act, may lead to a heightened state of passion in sex, including sexual arousal.<ref>DeVita-Raeburn, Elizabeth. "Lust For The Long Haul ". [[Psychology Today]]. 2008-12-26 http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=20051209-000001&page=4.</ref> Such sexual arousal may not lead to an actual sexual activity, beyond a mental arousal. In a 2004 study at Northwestern University, the female participants (both [[heterosexual]] and [[homosexual]] women) became sexually aroused when they viewed [[heterosexual|straight]] as well as [[lesbian]] erotic films. Among the male participants, however, the heterosexual men were turned on only by erotic films showing women; the [[Homosexual|gay]] males were aroused only by films showing men. The study's senior researcher said that women's sexual desire is less rigidly directed toward a particular gender, as compared with men's; and women's desire is more changeable over time.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/04/23/o.women.leave.menfor.women/</ref>
**Increase in [[Respiratory rate|breathing rate]]
 
  +
**Increase in [[blood pressure]]
 
  +
Sexual arousal may also be assisted by a [[romance (love)|romantic]] setting, music, or other soothing situations.
**Increase in muscle tone ([[myotonia]])
 
  +
**Increase in heart rate ([[tachycardia]])
 
  +
Given the right stimulation, sexual arousal in humans will typically end in an [[orgasm]], but may be pursued for its own sake, even in the absence of an orgasm.
**[[Vasocongestion]] of the [[skin]] ("[[sex flush]]")
 
  +
**Slight or extreme dilation of the [[pupil]]s (though especially so with females)
 
  +
Some people may experience a [[sexual arousal disorder]]. This may be characterized as a lack or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity for a period of time. This may be caused by a mental disorder, such as depression, [[drug use]], or some other medical condition. The lack of sexual arousal may be due to a general lack of sexual desire or due to a lack of sexual desire for the current partner. The lack of desire may be acquired (i.e. it may have started after a period of normal sexual functioning) or life-long (the person has always had no/low sexual desire).
**[[Erection]] of the [[nipples]] (especially upon direct stimulation)
 
  +
*Female sexual arousal:
 
  +
Unlike most animals, [[human]] beings of both sexes are potentially capable of sexual arousal throughout the year; therefore, there is no human [[mating season]].
**Increase in [[breast]] size
 
  +
**[[Vaginal lubrication]]
 
  +
==Physiological changes==
**Vasocongestion of the [[vagina]]l walls
 
  +
Sexual arousal for a man is usually indicated by the [[tumescence|swelling]] and [[erection]] of the [[penis]] when blood fills the [[corpus cavernosum penis|corpus cavernosum]]. This is usually the most prominent and reliable sign of sexual arousal in males; however, [[adolescence|adolescent]] males experience 'non-sexual' erections stemming from high levels of [[testosterone]].<br />
**[[clitoris|Clitoral]] [[tumescence]] and [[erection]]
 
  +
In a woman, sexual arousal usually leads to [[vaginal lubrication]] in anticipation of [[sexual intercourse]].
**More visible [[vein|venous]] patterns across the [[breast]]s
 
  +
Sexual arousal causes different physical changes.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}}
**Elevation of the [[uterus]] and stretching of the [[vagina]]
 
  +
{| class=wikitable
**Change in shape, color and size of the [[labia majora]] and [[labia minora]]
 
  +
|-
*Male sexual arousal
 
  +
!style="width:50%"|
**[[penis|Penile]] [[tumescence]] and [[erection]]
 
  +
In females:
**Retraction and tightening of the [[foreskin]] if present, often exposing the [[glans penis]] if not normally exposed
 
  +
!In males:
**Emission of [[pre-ejaculatory fluid]]
 
  +
|-
**Ascension of the [[testes]]
 
  +
|
**Tensing and thickening of the [[scrotum]]
 
  +
[[File:Female sexual arousal.JPG|300px]]<br /><small>Female sexual arousal. In the left image female genitalia are in normal state. In the right image the female is sexually aroused, the vulva is wet and the labia are slightly [[engorged]].</small>
  +
*Erection of [[nipple]]s<ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761580700_3/Human_Sexuality.html Human Sexuality - MSN Encarta<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 
*[[Vaginal lubrication]]
 
*[[Vasocongestion]] of the [[vagina]]l walls
  +
*[[Tumescence]] and [[Clitoral erection|erection of the clitoris]] and [[labium (genitalia)|labia]]
 
*Elevation of the [[cervix]] and [[uterus]], and expansion of the back of the [[vagina]]
 
*Change in shape, color and size of the [[labia majora]] and [[labia minora]]
  +
*[[Pupil dilation]]
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|[[File:Flaccid and erect penis.jpg|300px]]<br /><small>Male sexual arousal.</small>
 
*[[Penile]] [[tumescence]] and [[erection]]
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*The [[Dorsal veins of the penis|veins in the penis]] may become more prominent
 
*Tightening and/or retraction of the [[foreskin]] (unless [[circumcised]]) often exposing the [[glans penis]]
 
*Emission of [[pre-ejaculate|pre-ejaculatory fluid]]
  +
*Swelling of the [[testes]]
 
*Ascension of the [[testes]]
 
*Tensing and thickening of the [[scrotum]]
  +
*[[Pupillary response]]
  +
|}
   
 
=== Human sexual response cycle ===
 
=== Human sexual response cycle ===
 
{{Main|Human sexual response cycle}}
During the [[1950s]] and [[1960s]], [[Masters and Johnson|William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson]] conducted many important studies within the field of [[human sexuality]]. In [[1966]], the two released a book, ''Human Sexual Response'', detailing four stages of physiological changes in humans during sexual stimulation, based on their own sexual experiences. These phases, in order of their occurrence, are excitement, plateau, orgasmic, and resolution.
+
During the 1950s and 1960s, [[Masters and Johnson|William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson]] conducted many important studies within the field of [[human sexuality]]. In 1966, they released a book, ''[[Human sexual response cycle|Human Sexual Response]]'', detailing four stages of physiological changes in humans during sexual stimulation. These phases, in order of their occurrence, are [[Excitement phase|excitement]], [[Plateau phase|plateau]], [[orgasm]], and [[Resolution phase|resolution]].<ref>{{cite web
  +
| url = http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/the-sexual-response-cycle
  +
| title = The Sexual Response Cycle
  +
| accessdate = 2007-04-24
  +
| work = SexInfo
  +
| publisher = University of California, Santa Barbara
  +
| quote = Masters and Johnson's Four-Phase Model: The sexual responses of men and women have many similarities....
  +
}}</ref>
   
  +
The effect of sexual response is thought to be a plastic positive reinforcement behavior modifier associated with the [[Baldwin Effect]]. The end result of these sorts of things can be very novel structures such as the [[Pseudo-penis]] of the female [[Spotted Hyena]].<ref> Carey, Bjorn Painful realities of Hyena sex http://www.livescience.com/animals/060426_hyena_cubs.html</ref> The display of [[secondary sex characteristics]] in humans such as a penis-like enlarged [[clitoris]] in females during arousal and [[gynecomastia]] in males are thought to have once been objects of [[mate selection]] in human evolution because of the persistence of the phenomenon of these features invoking sexual arousal for potential mates in [[cross-cultural studies]].<ref> Miller, Geoffrey A Review of Sexual Selection and Human Evolution http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Human%20Nature%20S%201999/SexualSelection/sex%5B1%5D.pdf</ref> A dramatic example of this is the high rates of [[secondary sex characteristic]] [[dimorphism]] in some Southeast Asia human populations.<ref>Harpending, Henry "Human Diversity and its History" ''(Bibliographic Guide to East Asian Studies'', by Gale Group, Gale Group, 2001, ISBN 0783892195, 9780783892191)</ref>
''See'' [[human sexual response cycle]].
 
   
=== Genital procedures and sexual arousal ===
+
=== Singer's model of sexual arousal ===
  +
Singer<ref name="singer">Singer, B. Conceptualizing sexual arousal and attraction. The [[Journal of Sex Research]]. 1984; 20, 230-240</ref> presents a model of the process of sexual arousal, in which he conceptualized human sexual response to be composed of three independent but generally sequential components. The first stage, ''aesthetic response,'' is an emotional reaction to noticing an attractive face or figure. This emotional reaction produces an increase in attention toward the object of attraction, typically involving head and eye movements toward the attractive object. The second stage, ''approach response,'' progresses from the first and involves bodily movements towards the object. The final ''genital response'' stage recognizes that with both attention and closer proximity, physical reactions result in genital tumescence. Singer also notes that there is an array of other autonomic responses, but acknowledges that the research literature suggests that the genital response is ''the most reliable and convenient to measure'' in males.
Scientific data shows that [[male circumcision]] may cause neurological changes in the human [[brain]], which is suggested to lower sexual excitability (Mackey, 1997).This is contested.
 
[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9446966&dopt=Abstract] Another study suggested that arousal of a man's female partner is also impacted. [http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1181/595/]
 
   
== Sexual arousal in other animals ==
+
== Sexual arousal in animals ==
It is not completely understood how other animals relate sexually, but current research studies suggest that animals, like humans, enjoy sexual relations. This is especially noted in [[dog]]s, [[dolphin]]s, and [[bonobo]]s.
+
While human sexuality is well understood, scientists do not completely grasp how other animals relate sexually. However, current research studies suggest that many animals, like humans, enjoy sexual relations that are not limited to reproduction. [[Dolphin]]s and [[Bonobo]]s, for example, are both well known to use sex as a "social tool to strengthen and maintain bonds."<ref>{{cite video
  +
| people = McCarey, Kevin (writer)
  +
|date = 1999
  +
| title = Dolphins: The wild side
  +
| url = http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/press/990202.html
  +
| medium = Documentary
  +
| publisher = National Geographic Television
  +
| location = USA
  +
| accessdate = 2007-04-24
  +
| time =
  +
}} "Like humans and some chimpanzees, dolphins use sex for reasons other than procreation. Sex is as frequent as it is casual, a social tool used to strengthen and maintain bonds." {{imdb title|0386415|''Dolphins: The wild side''}}</ref> [[Ethologists]] have long documented the exchanges of sex to promote group cohesion in social animals. Cementing social bondage is one of the most prominent theorized selective advantages of [[group selection]] theory. Experts in the [[evolution of sex]] such as [[John Maynard Smith]] advocate for the idea that the exchange of sexual favors helps congeal and localize the assortment of alleles in isolated population and therefore is potentially a very strong force in [[evolution]]. Maynard Smith also has written extensively on the "seminal fluid swapping theory" logistic application of the assortment of alleles as a more accurate synthetic depiction of the [[Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium]] in cases of severely interbreeding populations.
   
== Related topics==
+
== See also==
  +
{{div col|cols=3}}
* [[Sexual attraction]]
 
* [[Sexual desire]]
+
* [[Aphrodisiac]]
* [[Sexual arousal disorder]]
+
* [[Eroticism]]
* [[Impotence]]
+
* [[Erogenous zone]]
 
* [[Female sexual arousal disorder]]
* [[Frigidity]]
 
  +
* [[Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder]]
  +
* [[Hypersexuality]]
 
* [[Human sexuality]]
 
* [[Human sexuality]]
  +
* [[Impotence]]
  +
* [[Inhibited sexual desire]]
 
* [[Kinsey report]]
 
* [[Kinsey report]]
  +
* [[Low arousal approach]]
  +
* [[Nudity and sexuality]]
 
* [[Orgasm]]
  +
* [[Persistent sexual arousal syndrome]]
  +
* [[Psychological arousal]]
  +
* [[Sex]]
 
* [[Sex drive]]
  +
* [[Sexology]]
 
* [[Sexual arousal disorder]]
 
* [[Sexual attraction]]
 
* [[Sexual desire]]
 
* [[Sexual fantasy]]
 
* [[Sexual frustration]]
  +
* [[Sexual intercourse]]
 
* [[Sexual orientation]]
 
* [[Sexual orientation]]
* [[Hypersexuality]]
+
* [[Sexual risk taking]]
  +
* [[Sexual satisfaction]]
  +
* [[Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction]]
  +
</div>
   
  +
==References==
[[Category:Sexual arousal| ]]
 
  +
{{reflist}}
  +
{{sex}}
   
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sexual Arousal}}
  +
[[Category:Psychosexual behavior]]
  +
[[Category:Sexual arousal]]
  +
[[Category:Sexual emotions]]
   
   
  +
<!--
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[[ar:إثارة جنسية]]
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[[ca:Excitació sexual]]
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[[cs:Sexuální vzrušení]]
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[[da:Liderlighed]]
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[[de:Sexuelle Erregung]]
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[[et:Seksuaalne erutus]]
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[[es:Excitación]]
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[[fa:برانگیختگی جنسی]]
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[[fr:Excitation sexuelle]]
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[[gl:Excitación]]
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[[id:Birahi]]
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[[it:Eccitazione sessuale]]
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[[lt:Lytinis susijaudinimas]]
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[[nl:Seksuele opwinding]]
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[[ja:性的興奮]]
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[[no:Seksuell opphisselse]]
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[[pl:Pobudzenie seksualne]]
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[[pt:Excitação]]
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[[ru:Половое возбуждение]]
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[[simple:Sexual arousal]]
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[[fi:Kiihottuminen]]
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[[sv:Sexuell upphetsning]]
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[[th:อารมณ์ทางเพศ]]
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[[zh:性刺激]]
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-->
 
{{enWP|Sexual Arousal}}
 
{{enWP|Sexual Arousal}}

Revision as of 14:05, 5 December 2009

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Sexual arousal, or sexual excitement, is an aspect of Psychosexual behavior and is the arousal of sexual desires in anticipation for sexual activity. Sexual arousal usually leads to physiological changes in the aroused person, some of which are pronounced while others are more subtle.

Human sexual arousal

People can be sexually aroused by different things and in a variety of situations. An arousal may be physical or mental in nature. A person may be sexually aroused by another person or by particular aspects of that person (eg.: hair color, build, smell, smile, etc) or by a non-human object.

When a person is sexually aroused by another person, it may be seen as an indicator of that person's sexual orientation.[citation needed] When sexual arousal is achieved by or dependent on the use of objects, it is referred to as sexual fetishism. This also includes sexual arousal which arises from another person's body part.

Most people are sexually aroused by a physical stimulation of an erogenous zone, especially if it is accompanied with the anticipation of imminent sexual activity.

In addition, some people may find nudity, erotica and pornography sexually arousing, though what aspect different people find arousing will vary. Most heterosexual males are visually stimulated by female nudity or partial nudity, while some heterosexual females are stimulated by the state of romance with their partner.[1] According to the marital and sex therapist, David Schnarch, intimacy, the honest portrayal of the two people joining in the sexual act, may lead to a heightened state of passion in sex, including sexual arousal.[2] Such sexual arousal may not lead to an actual sexual activity, beyond a mental arousal. In a 2004 study at Northwestern University, the female participants (both heterosexual and homosexual women) became sexually aroused when they viewed straight as well as lesbian erotic films. Among the male participants, however, the heterosexual men were turned on only by erotic films showing women; the gay males were aroused only by films showing men. The study's senior researcher said that women's sexual desire is less rigidly directed toward a particular gender, as compared with men's; and women's desire is more changeable over time.[3]

Sexual arousal may also be assisted by a romantic setting, music, or other soothing situations.

Given the right stimulation, sexual arousal in humans will typically end in an orgasm, but may be pursued for its own sake, even in the absence of an orgasm.

Some people may experience a sexual arousal disorder. This may be characterized as a lack or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity for a period of time. This may be caused by a mental disorder, such as depression, drug use, or some other medical condition. The lack of sexual arousal may be due to a general lack of sexual desire or due to a lack of sexual desire for the current partner. The lack of desire may be acquired (i.e. it may have started after a period of normal sexual functioning) or life-long (the person has always had no/low sexual desire).

Unlike most animals, human beings of both sexes are potentially capable of sexual arousal throughout the year; therefore, there is no human mating season.

Physiological changes

Sexual arousal for a man is usually indicated by the swelling and erection of the penis when blood fills the corpus cavernosum. This is usually the most prominent and reliable sign of sexual arousal in males; however, adolescent males experience 'non-sexual' erections stemming from high levels of testosterone.
In a woman, sexual arousal usually leads to vaginal lubrication in anticipation of sexual intercourse. Sexual arousal causes different physical changes.[citation needed]

In females:

In males:

File:Female sexual arousal.JPG
Female sexual arousal. In the left image female genitalia are in normal state. In the right image the female is sexually aroused, the vulva is wet and the labia are slightly engorged.

File:Flaccid and erect penis.jpg
Male sexual arousal.

Human sexual response cycle

Main article: Human sexual response cycle

During the 1950s and 1960s, William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson conducted many important studies within the field of human sexuality. In 1966, they released a book, Human Sexual Response, detailing four stages of physiological changes in humans during sexual stimulation. These phases, in order of their occurrence, are excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.[5]

The effect of sexual response is thought to be a plastic positive reinforcement behavior modifier associated with the Baldwin Effect. The end result of these sorts of things can be very novel structures such as the Pseudo-penis of the female Spotted Hyena.[6] The display of secondary sex characteristics in humans such as a penis-like enlarged clitoris in females during arousal and gynecomastia in males are thought to have once been objects of mate selection in human evolution because of the persistence of the phenomenon of these features invoking sexual arousal for potential mates in cross-cultural studies.[7] A dramatic example of this is the high rates of secondary sex characteristic dimorphism in some Southeast Asia human populations.[8]

Singer's model of sexual arousal

Singer[9] presents a model of the process of sexual arousal, in which he conceptualized human sexual response to be composed of three independent but generally sequential components. The first stage, aesthetic response, is an emotional reaction to noticing an attractive face or figure. This emotional reaction produces an increase in attention toward the object of attraction, typically involving head and eye movements toward the attractive object. The second stage, approach response, progresses from the first and involves bodily movements towards the object. The final genital response stage recognizes that with both attention and closer proximity, physical reactions result in genital tumescence. Singer also notes that there is an array of other autonomic responses, but acknowledges that the research literature suggests that the genital response is the most reliable and convenient to measure in males.

Sexual arousal in animals

While human sexuality is well understood, scientists do not completely grasp how other animals relate sexually. However, current research studies suggest that many animals, like humans, enjoy sexual relations that are not limited to reproduction. Dolphins and Bonobos, for example, are both well known to use sex as a "social tool to strengthen and maintain bonds."[10] Ethologists have long documented the exchanges of sex to promote group cohesion in social animals. Cementing social bondage is one of the most prominent theorized selective advantages of group selection theory. Experts in the evolution of sex such as John Maynard Smith advocate for the idea that the exchange of sexual favors helps congeal and localize the assortment of alleles in isolated population and therefore is potentially a very strong force in evolution. Maynard Smith also has written extensively on the "seminal fluid swapping theory" logistic application of the assortment of alleles as a more accurate synthetic depiction of the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium in cases of severely interbreeding populations.

See also

References

  1. Dobson, Dr. James. "What are the differences in sexual desire and preferences between males and females". Focus on the Family. 2008-12-26 http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1074.
  2. DeVita-Raeburn, Elizabeth. "Lust For The Long Haul ". Psychology Today. 2008-12-26 http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=20051209-000001&page=4.
  3. http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/04/23/o.women.leave.menfor.women/
  4. Human Sexuality - MSN Encarta
  5. The Sexual Response Cycle. SexInfo. University of California, Santa Barbara. URL accessed on 2007-04-24.
  6. Carey, Bjorn Painful realities of Hyena sex http://www.livescience.com/animals/060426_hyena_cubs.html
  7. Miller, Geoffrey A Review of Sexual Selection and Human Evolution http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/Human%20Nature%20S%201999/SexualSelection/sex%5B1%5D.pdf
  8. Harpending, Henry "Human Diversity and its History" (Bibliographic Guide to East Asian Studies, by Gale Group, Gale Group, 2001, ISBN 0783892195, 9780783892191)
  9. Singer, B. Conceptualizing sexual arousal and attraction. The Journal of Sex Research. 1984; 20, 230-240
  10. McCarey, Kevin (writer). Dolphins: The wild side [Documentary]. USA: National Geographic Television. Retrieved on 2007-04-24. "Like humans and some chimpanzees, dolphins use sex for reasons other than procreation. Sex is as frequent as it is casual, a social tool used to strengthen and maintain bonds." 'Dolphins: The wild side' at The Internet Movie Database


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