Abstract

The psychology field recognizes differences between females and males. Yet, there is a lack of research examining neurobiological sex differences, and a sophisticated understanding of neurobiological contributors that explain these sex differences related to sexuality is lacking. An integrative systematic review of the literature examined differences in the neurological functioning between females and males during the human sexual response cycle (SRC). This study investigated sex differences and commonalities in regional neural activation during the four stages of the human SRC (i.e., excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution). The main result of this study is that the differences between females and males were found to be most prominent during the excitement and plateau phases and that similarities were found during the orgasmic phase. Furthermore, the conditions for females to become aroused seem to be more complex and multifaceted than they are for males. These findings could allow researchers and clinicians to treat patients with sexual dysfunction and develop effective clinical interventions.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Sex (Biology); Sexual cycle; Sexology—Research

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Louis Cozolino

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