PSYCH 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Libido, Orgasm, Psych
Document Summary
Anticipating future emotional states is a quicker and more efficient way to make decisions. When emotions and cognition are in conflict, emotion tends to have a stronger effect. The affect-as-information theory states that people allow their current moods when making decisions and judgements. Hormones play a large role in determining sexual behavior. During development, the release of hormones influences physical development. Hormones also influence sexual behavior through motivation. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones into the bloodstream, and is the most important region in the brain. Males tend to have higher androgen levels (which is more important for sex drive), while females have higher estrogen and progesterone activity. Testosterone is also another important hormone that is necessary for sex drive. Oxytocin is a hormone that is released during orgasm and sexual arousal. Dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus are involved in sexual activity. Serotonin is also implicated in sexual drive.
