Hot Topic #9: Challenges to Sexual Fun and Functioning

This lesson is designed to increase student awareness of contraceptive options.

Preparation 

• Assign Carroll’s Chapter 14 to be read prior to the class meeting
• Review (Sex) Abled, a 15-minute documentary featuring college students. Free at http://www.sexsmartfilms.com/free-videos/sex-abled-disability-uncensored/
• Photocopy the attached handout (or transfer the text to a Powerpoint slide)

Procedure

·         Explain that the topic of challenges to sexual functioning is important because at one time or another, most people will have to deal with their own or a partner’s problems. Some problems (Carroll terms them “common sexual problems”) can often be resolved with self-education or a one-time consultation with a physician or sex therapist, but other problems are serious enough to warrant more involved medical and/or psychological intervention.

·         Ask students to list, on a piece of paper, at least 3 things that make them feel attractive or aroused. Emphasize that the list will remain private; they will not need to share it or turn it in (allow several minutes).

·         Distribute the handout (or show the slide you created) and ask, “Are any of these things on your list?”  Expect students to be a bit baffled. Read the handout aloud, explaining terms as necessary.

·         Ask, “Are these problems that could affect most people at some point?” and “How might any of these factors affect someone’s ability to enjoy being sexual?

·         Explain that these are just a few of the many reasons why someone may struggle to be sexually expressive. Point out that while some of the items on the list seem minor, they can be highly problematic (e.g., “distractions” can be anything from a partner who won’t turn off the TV or Blackberry to a psychological inability to focus. 

·         Some sexual problems can be fixed without professional help if a person has access to books, the internet, or a communicative partner. Some problems require creativity to address (e.g., a person with a disability may need to think creatively in order to find enjoyable sexual positions, toys, or assistance). Sexual dysfunctions typically require psychological or medical intervention.

·         Refer to Carroll’s discussion of Categorizing the Dysfunctions (p. 391-3). Explain that males and females may experience some of the same problems and some gender-specific problems.

Activity: Role Playing as Therapists

Explain that when dealing with a new client, therapists try to determine first whether a problem is physiological, psychological or both. Referrals must be made as needed.  Explain that Handout #3

Problems are classified as:

Primary – always existed (e.g., congenital health issues)

Secondary – began after a period of normal function

Situational – occur only in certain situations or with certain partners

Global – occur all the time

·         Divide students into small groups

·         Distribute Handout #2 Scenarios and Handout #3 Tools.

·         Tell groups to select one scenario to discuss.

·         Instruct groups to identify at least 4 problems one or both people in the couple might face in terms of feeling sexual or being able to engage in sexual activity (Refer to handout #1 for reminders of some potential problems)

·         Instruct groups to use Handout #3 to develop solutions for each challenge on their list. Remind them that because these are sexual challenges, sex therapy is required (groups should explain why, based on the challenges in their scenario). Other therapies and techniques can be considers creatively. (Note: In reality, sex therapy is the most appropriate first step and is likely to be sufficient. The rationale for introducing other techniques is to force students to think more broadly about problem solving.)

·         Invite students to share with the larger group a) the scenario; b) the problems; and 3) possible solutions. Correct any misinformation and add information to enrich the discussion.

·         Process the activity: How did you select your scenario? Did the discussion work out as you expected? What was the biggest challenge?

How do you bring hot topics into your Human Sexuality classroom? How can you refine a lesson based on the Carroll text? I invite you to contact me for help.

Melanie J. Davis, MEd, CSE teaches Human Sexuality as well as Marriage and the Family at Moravian College. She is a doctoral candidate in Human Sexuality Education and is the owner of Honest Exchange LLC, a sexuality consulting and resource development practice based in Somerville, NJ. Melanie is a partner in the New Jersey Center for Sexual Wellness in Bedminster, NJ.