The Psychology of Sexual Arousal

Capitalism Magazine ^ | December 18, 2003 | Michael J. Hurd

[presidio9]

Q: Why do men seem to enjoy viewing women naked (e.g., in photos, real life, etc.) much more than women seem to enjoy looking at naked men? It seems men are much more "turned on" romantically/sexually by the visual aspects of the opposite sex, than the other way around. Do you agree? And what accounts for this?

A: I have not done and do not intend to do a scientific study on the subject. However, I can share with you my fifteen years of experience talking to people about all kinds of personal matters, including sex. It is my experience that a general trend exists in which men are much more likely to be aroused by the visual and the physical than are women. However, I also see loads of evidence that men are just as capable of responding to values as well--intelligence, shared interests, sense of humor, sense of life, etc.--as opposed to the exclusively physical.

It appears that the most fulfilling sexual response, for both men and women, is inevitably a merging of the two: values and physical attributes. For whatever reason, many men get more caught up in repressing the one while many women become more preoccupied with repressing the other. It's interesting to note that any attempt to shut out either one--physical or values--whether by a man or a woman, results in some degree of romantic unhappiness. For both men and women, sex without love is as meaningless as love without sex is phony.

Although physiological factors can be involved, since there are obvious differences between men and women physically, I don't assume it's the primary explanation for this observed difference. I don't vote either "nature" or "nurture" as an explanation. Instead, I'm interested in why certain individuals end up choosing to value some attributes over others, and what the consequences of those value choices are.

My experience teaches that both men and women can make errors (most certainly do in romance); and both men and women can make choices that serve their interests and bring sustained happiness. In the area of romance, both men and women have a lot to learn when it comes to integrating their sexuality.

[Izzy Dunne]

My experience teaches that both men and women can make errors

Well now, thanks for THAT little bit of info...

[TheCrusader]

"Q: Why do men seem to enjoy viewing women naked (e.g., in photos, real life, etc.) much more than women seem to enjoy looking at naked men?"

Probably because they're more honest. :^)

[theDentist]

"...It seems men are much more "turned on" romantically/sexually by the visual aspects of the opposite sex"

That's true, but this Wall Street rally is doing it for me this afternoon!

[cyborg]

Men are visual FIRST then emotional second. Women are emotional first. Anyone with a brain knows this. There's nothing wrong with this. Somewhere in a really good relationship the two mix. Personally I look as attractive as possible for my boyfriend, and he is as in tune to my emotions as he can.

[Callahan]

I know what sexual arousal is. I also know the permanent cure:

[TurtleTrap]

Women need a reason to have sex....men just need a venue.

[cyborg]

There not enough botox in the world to help that sourpus.

[squidly]

I'd thought it was accepted that most men get turned on by what they see, and most women by what they hear.

[flashbunny]

Damn you.

[PaulaB]

Men are from Mars...Women are from Venus 101

[philosofy123]

Britney Speers naked, or Dow Jones up....I take Britney!

[Lee Heggy]

You can dance with me and think about someone else.

[Prime Choice]

Why do men seem to enjoy viewing women naked (e.g., in photos, real life, etc.) much more than women seem to enjoy looking at naked men?

Simple. Women's bodies are just much more beautiful and interesting to look at! Now will someone in the government give me $60,000 so I can run my own study to prove this assertion? Please? Pretty please?? ; )

[T'wit]

That one made me laugh out loud :-)

[Always Right]

My experience teaches that both men and women can make errors (most certainly do in romance)

You just had to watch the last episode of Average Joe to prove this one...

[Prime Choice]

Must...counter...the...evil...visage! Urrrggggg...must...find antidote!

Oof. All better now.

[MotleyGirl70]

Ewwww. Thanks for ruining my day. She is fugly!

[Arrowhead1952]

I know what sexual arousal is. I also know the permanent cure:

I know what causes permanent sexual arousal.

[presidio9]

Republican "Babe of the Week"