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There I said it... sex!
Now that I have your attention I wonder whether any one of would be kind enough to help me.
Our current essay is about why we participate in sex from a psychological perceptive. I'm choosing biological and humanistic approach.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to material that can support this please? I'm also going to look at new theories emerging regarding why we participate in sex. I would be really interested to hear any thoughts!
Thanks so much x
Hi Lauren,
We published a paper (qualitative study) looking at the impacts of pain on intimacy (broadly defined) - and drew on theories of intimacy from sociology in the analysis (but all the research team were OTs or OT students).
It's open access courtesy of being designated an "Editors' choice" paper in Pain Medicine.
https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz173
Hello again @Lauren . Here are a few comments shared by others on social media, in response to your query: Joanne Higginson
"I think I saw something in this month's RCOT journal." Shirene K. McKinney
"You could explore various journals or do internet searches from different disciplines.
Anthropology or evolutionary reasons - plainly put, people have sex to sustain the species. People have sex for fun, because of the hormones or neurotransmitters that are produced (oxytocin, dopamine).
Psychologically, people engage in sexual activity to manipulate, to gain or have access to power, to bond.
Spiritually, such as with tantra, to transcend, to feel oneness with the infinite.
An interdisciplinary approach could prove helpful, but I think it depends on where you'd like to take it and the myriad of intersections you could incorporate."
Lindsey Vestal
"The AOTA just published a new book called, "Sexuality + Intimacy" that I highly recommend! We also talk about this often on the OTs for Pelvic Health Facebook group. I also love the OTs After Dark podcast."
Hi @Lauren . Very thought-provoking! I don't have much professional experience in this area, but would signpost the following resources, from people who do!
Let's Talk about Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy!
- A Therapy Article by @kathrynellis
OT After Dark
- A podcast series streaming on the Hub's Podcast Portal
Click the titles or images to visit the resources. I hope these are helpful... Maybe worth reaching out to the authors/hosts, who will know a lot more about this area of practice.
Jamie.
Thanks for reaching out @Lauren ! We'll bring your interesting theme to the attention of Members this weekend, to prompt some thoughts and advice.