Deck 49: Psychology in Action: Sexual Problems

Question 1

According to Barry McCarthy,which of the following helps couples maintain sexual desire,especially in long-term relationships?

A)simultaneous orgasms.
B)valuing one's own sexuality
C)spontaneous lovemaking
D)a sense of closeness and intimacy

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Regarding sexual relationships,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)When disagreements about sex occur,it is important for one partner to take responsibility for the problem.
B)It is good for partners to use the "touch and ask" rule to improve their communication about sex.
C)When sexual problems arise,partners should try to be responsive to each other on an emotional level.
D)Couples should not focus on statistics regarding "average" sexual activities of other people or the superhuman sexual exploits portrayed in movies.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Within a healthy sexual relationship,according to McCarthy,there are four important elements including

A)valuing one's sexuality.
B)being physically fit.
C)an understanding of physiological needs.
D)techniques to reduce sexual frustration.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Three patterns that are almost always related to serious long-term problems in relationships include all of the following EXCEPT for

A)being open about one's feelings.
B)being defensive.
C)being stubborn.
D)refusing to talk (the "big freeze").

Question 5

According to sex therapist Barry McCarthy,the four elements necessary for a continued healthy relationship include valuing intimacy with one's partner and

A)sexual anticipation.
B)valuing one's sexuality.
C)feeling that you deserve sexual pleasure.
D)all of these.

Question 6

Regarding sexual relationships,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Most couples find that their sexual interest and passion decline over time.
B)Conflict and anger about other issues frequently take a toll in sexual adjustment.
C)Couples with strong and caring relationships can probably survive most sexual problems.
D)Couples with satisfactory sex lives often survive having a poor relationship.

Question 7

According to sex therapist Barry McCarthy,one of the four elements of a healthy sexual relationship is

A)sexual intercourse at least three times per week.
B)simultaneous orgasms.
C)valuing intimacy and one's own sexuality.
D)domination and control.

Question 8

A study that compared happily married couples with unhappily married couples found that,in almost every regard,the happily married couples

A)never had any arguments.
B)had a good sex life that helped them through the bad times.
C)showed superior communication skills.
D)had stable financial resources.

Question 9

According to McCarthy,which of the following is NOT one of the four elements necessary for a continuing healthy sexual relationship?

A)sexual anticipation
B)the feeling of each partner that they deserve sexual pleasure
C)valuing a sense of closeness with one's partner
D)placing a greater emphasis on a partner's needs than on one's own

Question 10

Regarding relationships and sexual adjustments,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Couples should not focus on statistics regarding "average" sexual activities of other people.
B)Gottman believes that a couple must have at least five times as many positive as negative moments in their marriage if it is to survive.
C)Couples with satisfactory sex lives often survive having a poor relationship.
D)Couples who share positive experiences and satisfying relationships also tend to have satisfying sex lives.

Question 11

People are most likely to value their sexuality when

A)their sexual needs are being met consistently.
B)they develop a respectful,trusting,and intimate relationship with their partner.
C)they have a good body image.
D)they are in good health and free from stress and worry.

Question 12

Regarding sexual relationships,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)When disagreements arise over issues such as who initiates lovemaking or what behavior is appropriate,the rule should be that each partner must accept the other as the final authority on his or her own feelings.
B)Satisfying erotic relationships requires focusing on sexual pleasure for both partners,not on a selfish interest in one's own gratification.
C)"Failures" in sexual relations should always be shared without placing blame.
D)Couples should try to set an average number of "love making" sessions per month.

Question 13

According to sex therapist Barry McCarthy,one of the four elements of a healthy sexual relationship is

A)sexual anticipation.
B)domination and power.
C)sexual intercourse at least three times per week.
D)simultaneous orgasms.

Question 14

As described by McCarthy,sexual satisfaction is easier to achieve when partners value

A)their own sexuality.
B)intimacy and closeness with each other.
C)both of these.
D)none of these.

Question 15

Regarding relationships and sexual adjustments,which of the following statements is TRUE?

A)Sex is a skill to be mastered,like playing tennis.
B)Gottman believes that a couple must have at least as many positive as negative sexual experiences in their marriage if it is to survive.
C)Couples with satisfactory sex lives often survive having a poor relationship.
D)Sex is a form of communication within a relationship.

Question 16

According to sex therapist Barry McCarthy,which of the following statements about maintaining a healthy sexual relationship is FALSE?

A)Looking forward to lovemaking can be inhibited by routine and poor communication between partners.
B)A respectful,trusting,and intimate relationship with your partner allows both partners to deal with negative sexual experiences when they occur.
C)Unexpected,spontaneous lovemaking should be discouraged,since more negative sexual experiences tend to occur when lovemaking is unplanned.
D)A sense of closeness and intimacy with one's partner helps maintain sexual desire,especially in long­term relationships.

Question 17

According to Gottman and Krokoff,there are three patterns that are almost always related to serious long-term problems in relationships.These include all of the following EXCEPT

A)defensiveness (including whining).
B)anger.
C)stubbornness.
D)refusal to talk with one's partner.

Question 18

Which of the following is one of the four main elements of a healthy sexual relationship,according to McCarthy?

A)mastery of specific skills in lovemaking
B)feeling that you deserve sexual pleasure
C)willingness to engage in a wide variety of sexual activities
D)the ability of both partners to meet all of each other's sexual needs.

Question 19

Within a relationship,sex should be regarded as

A)essential to making the relationship work.
B)a form of communication.
C)a physiological need to be met.
D)irrelevant in understanding the partners' feelings for each other.

Question 20

Regarding Gottman and Krokoff's three patterns of problem communications,the pattern involving defensiveness often includes

A)being too rational.
B)a repression of feelings.
C)whining.
D)refusal to talk with one's partner.

Question 21

Marital harmony is closely related to the ability to

A)mind­read one's partner.
B)put yourself in another's place.
C)suppress one's anger during disagreements.
D)do all of these.

Question 22

Intimacy and communication can be increased by

A)not talking about hurtful or negative feelings.
B)always keeping busy when you are angry with your partner so you will not get in an argument.
C)watching television together or using another distraction instead of discussing the difficult issues and getting angry.
D)none of these.

Question 23

Glynnis has been angry with her husband Aaron for two weeks.When he comes in from work and asks about her day,she lets all her pent-up anger from the last two weeks out and lists all of her complaints regarding their relationship.Glynnis is

A)attacking Aaron's character.
B)trying to win the fight.
C)gunnysacking.
D)mind reading Aaron's intentions.

Question 24

If you use the words "always" or "never" when disagreeing with your significant other,you are probably

A)mounting a character attack.
B)exhibiting the "big freeze."
C)whining.
D)gunnysacking.

Question 25

Regarding intimacy and communication,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Intimacy is easier to achieve when partners communicate openly with each other.
B)Always being pleasant and avoiding discussion of difficult topics are ways that couples avoid intimacy.
C)When partners argue,this places them at higher risk for a loss of intimacy.
D)Making compromises and making time for your partner are techniques that encourage intimacy.

Question 26

Which of the following statements is NOT an example of attacking a partner's character?

A)"You're a slob!"
B)"You always leave your clothes all over the house."
C)"It makes me angry when you leave things around the house."
D)"You never pick up your things around the house."

Question 27

According to the text,which of the following is part of the guidelines for maintaining a healthy emotional relationship with someone?

A)Try to see things through your partner's eyes.
B)Do not try to win a fight,but resolve differences.
C)Recognize that anger can be appropriate.
D)All of these are part of the guidelines for a healthy relationship.

Question 28

In healthy relationships,a constructive expression of anger requires that the couple

A)resort to threats sometimes,such as announcing,"This relationship is over," in order to get their partner's attention.
B)try to "mind read" what your partner is thinking during arguments.
C)fight fair by sticking to the real issues in the argument.
D)do all of these.

Question 29

Saving up feelings and complaints and then "dumping" them during an argument is called

A)character attack.
B)gunnysacking.
C)in-fighting.
D)hitting below the belt.

Question 30

According to the text,which of the following is NOT part of the guidelines for maintaining a healthy emotional relationship with someone?

A)Keep your feelings to yourself.
B)Do not try to win a fight.
C)Recognize that anger can be appropriate.
D)Avoid gunnysacking.

Question 31

In communicating with one's partner,expressions of negative feelings should be given

A)as statements of logical,objective facts.
B)as statements of one's own feelings.
C)as statements of blame.
D)using the words "always" or "never."

Question 32

Tom is angry at Linda because,once again,she doesn't want to go out for a night on the town with him.Angry,he tells her,"You're boring!" Tom is

A)gunnysacking.
B)hitting below the belt.
C)manipulating.
D)attacking her character.

Question 33

In healthy relationships,constructive fights are aimed at

A)establishing who is right or wrong.
B)resolving shared differences.
C)helping one's partner to improve his or her behaviors.
D)accomplishing all of these goals.

Question 34

Couples who have happy,healthy relationships do all of the following EXCEPT

A)talk less than couples in unhealthy relationships.
B)convey more personal feelings.
C)show greater sensitivity to their partners' feelings.
D)feel freer to react with honesty,including tears,laughter,anger,fear,and baby-like beahvior.

Question 35

Regarding Gottman and Krokoff's three patterns of problem communications,the pattern in which the person refuses to talk with his or her partner is sometimes referred to as

A)the "big freeze."
B)"gunnysacking."
C)"suppression of feelings."
D)"mind reading."

Question 36

In maintaining healthy relationships,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Constructive and destructive fights are not distinguished by whether or not anger was expressed.
B)Constructive expression of anger requires that couples fight fairly by sticking to the real issues and not "hitting below the belt."
C)Constructive expression of anger requires that you try to "mind read" what your partner is thinking during arguments.
D)Resorting to threats,such as announcing,"This relationship is over," is especially damaging to a relationship.

Question 37

Making your partner guess what you want,never talking about or showing that you are hurt are ways to

A)maintain a healthy relationship with your significant other.
B)avoid intimacy with your significant other.
C)gain control over with your significant other.
D)lose control over with your significant other.

Question 38

Laura tells her husband Eddie that her mother and father are coming for the weekend.When Eddie does not immediately respond,Laura says angrily,"You really don't want them to come or you would have said something."
Laura is exhibiting

A)gunnysacking.
B)sensate focus.
C)mind-reading.
D)desensitization.

Question 39

Regarding mind-reading in a relationship,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Mind-reading involves telling a partner what he or she is thinking rather than asking.
B)Mind­reading usually involves playing the "devil's advocate" in disagreements with one's partner.
C)Mind-reading can be done in a hostile manner that undermines communication.
D)Mind-reading is not the same as trying to see things through your partner's eyes.

Question 40

According to the text,which of the following is one of the guidelines for maintaining a healthy emotional relationship with someone?

A)Trying to read your partner's mind.
B)Trying to always win a fight.
C)Attacking character is better than losing an argument.
D)Being open about your feelings.

Question 41

Causes of desire disorders include

A)physical factors,such as fatigue,illness,hormonal difficulties,and the side effects of medicine.
B)psychological factors,such as a fear of pregnancy,a fear of closeness,or a loss of attraction to one's partner.
C)strict religious beliefs or a fear of losing control over sexual urges.
D)all of these.

Question 42

A person who has little or no sexual motivation is suffering from a(n)disorder.

A)arousal
B)orgasm
C)desire
D)sexual pain

Question 43

Regarding sexual adjustment and healthy relationships,which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

A)Good sexual adjustment is essential for a relationship to be maintained long-term.
B)Partners can work through the bad times in a relationship and maintain intimacy by continuing to be pleasant and agreeable even when upset or dissatisfied.
C)Sexual adjustment and loving relationships are interdependent.
D)All of these statements are true.

Question 44

Which of the following are NOT considered sexual dysfunctions?

A)voyeurism and fetishism
B)sexual pain and sexual aversion
C)erectile disorder and premature ejaculation
D)dyspareunia and vaginismus

Question 45

Desire disorders must be defined in relation to

A)the person's age and gender.
B)the person's expectations.
C)the person's sexual history.
D)all of these.

Question 46

Regarding sexual aversion,which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

A)Persons with a sexual aversion may still masturbate or have sexual fantasies.
B)A person with sexual aversion feels fear,anxiety,or disgust about engaging in sex with another person.
C)People with sexual aversions are diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction not otherwise specified.
D)All of these statements are true.

Question 47

Regarding sexual desire disorders,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Hypoactive sexual desire is more common in men than women.
B)Physical causes of desire disorders include illness,fatigue,hormonal difficulties,and the side effects of medicines.
C)Desire disorders are associated with psychological factors such as depression,marital conflict,and simple loss of attraction to one's partner.
D)Desire disorders are associated with a fear of losing control over sexual urges and strict religious beliefs.

Question 48

A positive sexual relationshp can

A)be a shared pleasure.
B)be a haven from everyday tensions.
C)enhance a couple's mutual understanding and caring.
D)do all of these.

Question 49

Problems in sexual desire,arousal,or response are considered to be

A)paraphilic disorders.
B)neurotic disorders.
C)sexual dysfunctions.
D)sexual deviant behaviors.

Question 50

Jim has had no interest in sex for the last three years and this greatly troubles him.Jim's diagnosis would be

A)sexual aversion.
B)hypoactive sexual desire.
C)male erectile disorder.
D)none of these.

Question 51

Regarding sexual desire,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Lack of desire is often related to a person's expectations or issues with their partner.
B)In order for a lack of desire to qualify as a disorder,the person must be troubled by the loss of desire.
C)Age and gender are irrelevant factors when diagnosing a problem with sexual desire.
D)Temporary losses of sexual desire are fairly common in both men and women,while hypoactive sexual desire disorder is somewhat more common in women.

Question 52

Although sexual aversion was considered a type of desire disorder by earlier diagnostic guidelines,a person with this condition today would be diagnosed using the American Psychiatric Association's 2013 guidelines as having

A)a paraphilic disorder.
B)gender dysphoria.
C)a conversion disorder.
D)a sexual dysfunction not otherwise specified.

Question 53

Mike has had no interest in sex for the last three years,but he is untroubled by this.Mike's diagnosis is

A)sexual aversion.
B)hypoactive sexual desire.
C)male erectile disorder.
D)none of these.

Question 54

Hypoactive sexual desire is

A)more common in women.
B)more common in men.
C)equally common in men and women.
D)more common in younger women and older men.

Question 55

To encourage intimacy,you should

A)always be pleasant and pretend everything is okay,even if you are upset or dissatisfied.
B)never argue,or you may have to reveal differences and make changes.
C)be willing to compromise regarding important issues with which you and your partner disagree.
D)do all of these.

Question 56

Some people don't merely lack sexual desire;they are repelled by sex and seek to avoid it.Although the person still has some erotic feelings and may still masturbate or have sexual fantasies,the prospect of having sex with another person causes panic or revulsion,a condition known as

A)impotence.
B)sexual aversion.
C)a paraphilic disorder.
D)gender dysphoria.

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT considered a sexual dysfunction?

A)paraphilic disorders
B)sexual pain disorders
C)orgasm disorders
D)desire disorders

Question 58

Marcia is repelled by the prospect of having sex with another person.The thought of engaging in intercourse causes her panic and revulsion.Marcia has a(n)

A)orgasm disorder.
B)sexual aversion.
C)conversion disorder.
D)paraphilia.

Question 59

Hypoactive sexual desire is said to exist when the

A)person engages in sex less often than the average for his or her age and gender.
B)person is unwilling to have sex as often as his or her partner wishes.
C)loss of desire is persistent and the person is troubled by it.
D)amount of desire is intense and uncontrollable.

Question 60

Regarding intimacy and communication,which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

A)An honest,equitable,and affectionate out-of-bed relationship contributes greatly to sexual satisfaction.
B)Always being pleasant and avoiding discussions of difficult topics are ways that couples can increase their intimacy.
C)When partners argue,this places them at a higher risk for a loss of intimacy.
D)All of these statements are true.

Question 61

A person who has persistent and intense sexual fantasies,urges,and behaviors,which are troubling to the person would be diagnosed with which disorder?

A)primary erectile disorder
B)secondary erectile disorder
C)hypersexual disorder
D)dyspareunia

Question 62

An adult male who has never had an erection is probably suffering from

A)primary erectile disorder.
B)secondary erectile disorder.
C)general sexual dysfunction.
D)repressed ejaculation.

Question 63

Male erectile disorder is characterized by

A)the inability to produce or maintain an erection for approximately a six-month duration.
B)the inability to delay or control orgasm for approximately a six-month duration.
C)an inability to control movements of the penis.
D)a muscle spasm that prevents intercourse.

Question 64

Although Steve is able to have an erection during sleep,he has been experiencing a great deal of emotional conflict that is preventing him from having an erection during lovemaking.Steve is probably suffering from

A)organic erectile dysfunction.
B)psychogenic male erectile disorder.
C)general sexual dysfunction.
D)repressed ejaculation.

Question 65

Which of the following sexual dysfunctions usually starts with repeated sexual failures caused by drinking too much alcohol or by premature ejaculation with initial doubts soon becoming severe fears of failure?

A)primary erectile disorder
B)secondary erectile disorder
C)paraphilic disorder
D)genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder

Question 66

Causes of organic erectile problems include

A)alcohol or drug abuse.
B)diabetes or vascular diseases.
C)reactions to medication for blood pressure or stomach ulcers.
D)all of these.

Question 67

An occasional inability to produce or maintain an erection is a(n)

A)desire disorder.
B)arousal disorder.
C)orgasm disorder.
D)normal event.

Question 68

Primary erectile disorder refers to a(n)

A)lifelong inability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.
B)tendency to ejaculate prematurely.
C)lack of interest in sex and emotional attachment.
D)inability to reach orgasm consistently.

Question 69

A male who previously could have an erection but can no longer do so is said to be suffering from

A)primary erectile disorder.
B)secondary erectile disorder.
C)general sexual dysfunction.
D)repressed ejaculation.

Question 70

Regarding erectile problems,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)If a man can have an erection at other times,such as during sleep,the problem is probably physical.
B)Erectile problems in men are a normal part of aging.
C)Secondary erectile problems often start with repeated sexual failures caused by drinking too much alcohol or by premature ejaculation.
D)Secondary erectile disorders may be related to anxiety about sex in general,guilt because of an extramarital affair,or resentment or hostility toward a sexual partner.

Question 71

A person who desires sexual activity but does not become sexually excited is suffering from a(n)disorder.

A)desire
B)arousal
C)orgasm
D)sexual pain

Question 72

Although only a man and his partner can make this judgment,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)states that the erectile disorder involves a persistent difficulty for at least how many months duration?

A)two months
B)four months
C)six months
D)eight months

Question 73

Roughly what percent of all cases of erectile dysfunction are organic in nature?

A)20 percent
B)40 percent
C)60 percent
D)75 percent

Question 74

Vaginal dryness in women and an inability to maintain an erection are signs of disorders.

A)desire
B)arousal
C)orgasm
D)sexual pain

Question 75

Tom has an excess of sexual desire in which he has persistent and intense sexual fantasies,urges,and behaviors, which are very troubling to him.Tom's sex addiction will most likely be diagnosed as a(n)disorder.

A)primary erectile
B)secondary erectile
C)hypersexual
D)premature ejaculation

Question 76

Which of the following sexual dysfunctions may be related to anxiety about sex in general,guilt because of an extramarital affair,resentment or hostility toward a sexual partner,fear of inability to perform,concerns about STDs,and similar emotions and conflicts?

A)paraphilic disorder
B)primary erectile disorder
C)secondary erectile disorder
D)dyspareunia

Question 77

Regarding male erectile disorder,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)True erectile disorders persist for months or years.
B)Fatigue,anger,and drinking too much alcohol can cause temporary erectile difficulties in healthy males.
C)Those men who previously performed successfully,but then developed a problem are said to suffer from primary erectile disorder.
D)When a man fails to have an erection,it is important for the man's partner to avoid expressing anger, disappointment,or embarrassment.

Question 78

One of the typical effects of the excessive consumption of alcohol on male sexuality is

A)loss of all sexual desire.
B)increased substitution of fantasy for actual sex.
C)occasional erectile problems.
D)intense sexual desires.

Question 79

Regarding male erectile dysfunction,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)It was once known as impotence,but psychologists discourage the use of that term.
B)According to the DSM,erectile disorder involves a persistent difficulty of at least six months duration,although only the man and his partner can make this judgment.
C)Fatigue,anger,and drinking too much alcohol will not cause erectile difficulties in healthy males.
D)"Performance demands" or overreaction to the temporary loss of an erection may generate fears and doubts that contribute to a further inhibition of arousal.

Question 80

When a disorder,such as erectile dysfunction has a psychological,rather than a physical cause,it is said to be

A)primary.
B)secondary.
C)organic.
D)psychogenic.