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
Recommended Citation
Larson, Zachary, "Differences in the neurological functioning of females and males during the human sexual response cycle: a quantitative systematic review" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1543.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1543