Sexuality and Health Question Set

Sexuality and Health Question Set

a.) Is sexuality essential for individual health?

I would not say that an active sex life is essential for an individual's physical health, but it can definitely be beneficial for one's emotional health. While sexual activity can often result in adverse consequences in terms of disease transmission, abstinence poses no known health risks, so sexuality is not essential for individual health. The emotional bonds and connections fostered during sexual activity, however, can prove to be beneficial in terms of overall well-being, by providing pleasure, increasing confidence, and building self-worth, provided this activity is conducted responsibly.

b.) Is sexuality essential for a long-term committed romantic relationship?

This question is highly dependent on the circumstances in which each relationship is formed. For a devoutly religious couple, for instance, sexuality is not essential in assuring the success of long-term committed romantic relationship, and in fact, sexual activity may actually sabotage the relationship before it has been given a chance to flourish. Even so, once Christian couples are married, a certain degree of sexuality will likely be essential to the success of the marriage. On the other hand, for secular couples who have no mandate to abstain from premarital sex, the bonds between man and women are often based on a vigorous and enthusiastic sex life. This is because sexuality is universal to the human experience, and sharing this experience with another individual satisfies a societal standard.

c.) How do you think "casual sex" (a.k.a. sexual contact with someone who you are not committed to romantically) impacts a person or a relationship?

When a committed relationship begins between two people who have previously engaged in casual sex, these prior liaisons can often prove to be problematic. Natural feelings of jealousy and resentment can infect even the most loving relationships when the subject of casual sex, and its associated memories of past partners, is discussed. Another way casual sex can impact a relationship is when a person decides to betray the trust of their partner and commit adultery. The allure of a "no strings attached" sexual encounter with a relative stranger can entice people to wrong those they love, and this temptation is one of the leading precursors to divorce.

d.) How does a person know when a sexual act is appropriate or permissible?

This subject is highly sensitive, and must be left to each individual to decide. Personal boundaries exist for a reason, and although one person may find hugging or backrubs to be appropriate actions, another person can easily consider them to constitute harassment or assault. If somebody feels an instinctive sense of violation when a sexual act is performed, they have every right to voice their concern and end the act on their own terms. Everybody should be aware of their sexual partner's implicit and explicit boundaries, and any action that does not respect these boundaries can be interpreted as sexual misconduct.

e.) Who should educate children, adolescents, or young adults about sex? Why?