Synonyms
Definition
Sexual orientations are enduring patterns of sexual attraction.
Introduction
Sexual motivation is central to some of our strongest emotions and deepest commitments. Its influence is so pervasive that many of our actions would be incomprehensible without taking it into account. Although the complexity of human sexuality should not be underestimated, it can be reasonably hypothesized that one of the main reasons people are so motivated by sex is because they experience sexual activities as highly rewarding. From an evolutionary perspective, the motivating nature of sexual experience is best explained as an adaptation for ensuring successful reproduction.
Evolutionarily speaking, one would predict that most women would prefer to have sex with men, and most men would prefer to have sex with women. This is precisely what is observed: although a significant number of individuals also report bisexual and homosexual attractions and...
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Safron, A. (2018). Sexual Orientation. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_204-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_204-2
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Sexual Orientation- Published:
- 17 August 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_204-2
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Sexual Orientation- Published:
- 26 May 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_204-1