Biological factors that influence sexual response and arousal include age, general health, hormonal and chromosomal statuses, and nutritional states. These factors are significant in regard to sexual desire but may not always contribute to the explanation of sexual responses. As such, it is vital to consider further biological factors that relate to sexuality. These include secondary sexual characteristics, gender roles, gender identities, assignment, and rearing in relation to sex (Thomas, 2022). Further, many biological and physical components of sex rely on psychological or physiological facets. The interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions with sex is prominent and influential on responses and arousal alike.
Common psychological factors include distress, sexual function, satisfaction, communication, attraction, emotional states, depression, conflicts, and anxiety. These features play a significant role in sexual interest and responses among all genders. Psychological dimensions are considered to be the primary elements of clinical interference in the case of sexual dysfunctions, sexual health education, and promotion programs. The psychological dimension often includes or is intertwined with external factors such as personality attributes, emotions, cognitive functions, and sociocultural, relational, and psychopathological variables (Nimbi et al., 2021). In fact, recent research provides that sexual stimuli are prioritized within a person’s memory and cognitive process when compared to other stimuli.
Factors such as sexism, homophobia, customs, attitudes, belief systems, traditions, and education are deeply relevant in regard to sexual responses and arousal. Many cognitive functions in relation to sex still rely on sociocultural features or cues when arousal or response becomes prevalent. Female sexuality and responses are especially under-researched but are highly influenced by gender perception and context (Evensen, 2021). Factors that impact female experiences more severely include body image, appearance, and cultural scripts according to gender, expectations, time, and setting.
References
Evensen, M. (2021). Sociocultural Factors of Female Sexual Desire and Sexual Satisfaction. Brigham Young University’s Undergraduate Journal of Psychology, 15(1). Web.
Nimbi, F. M., Briken, P., Abdo, C. H. N., and Carvalho, J. (2021). Psychological Dimensions in Human Sexual Health and Behavior. Frontiers Psychology, 12(1). Web.
Thomas, E. (2022). The Biological Basis of Human Sexuality. iCliniq. Web.