Abnormal Psychology

Gender and Sexual Disorders 495

3.Orgasm. The arousal triggers involuntary contractions of internal genital or-

gans, followed by ejaculation in men. In women, responses range from extended

or multiple orgasms (without falling below the plateau level) to resolution.

4.Resolution. Following orgasm is a period of relaxation, of release from tension.

For men, this period is often referred to as a refractory period, during which it

is impossible to have an additional orgasm. Women rarely have such limitations

and can often return to the excitement phase with effective sexual stimulation.

Other researchers have developed Masters and Johnson’s ideas further. In par-

ticular, researchers now recognize that before the excitement phase, the person must

fi rst experience sexual attraction, which should lead to sexual desire, which in turn

leads to the fi rst stage of the sexual response cycle: excitement (Kaplan, 1981).

According to DSM-IV-TR, desireconsists of fantasies and thoughts about sexual

activity along with an inclination or interest in being sexual (American Psychiat-

ric Association, 2000). Sexual problems can occur when individuals experience a

diminished—or even a lack of— sexual desire, or when they have diffi culties related

to sexual arousal or performance (the last three stages of sexual response). Laura

appears to lack any sexual desire.

11.2 • The Human Sexual

Response Cycle According to

Masters and Johnson (1966), during the

normal sexual response cycle, women and

men go through four stages: excitement,

plateau, orgasm, and resolution. However,

women can experience multiple orgasms

without a refractory period (a), whereas

men must experience a refractory period

before a subsequent orgasm (b).

Source: Masters & Johnson, 1966. For more

information see the Permissions section.

Figure 11.2

1 R M n m p w w m b S

in

g

Orgasm

Plateau

Excitement

Time

Resolution

Resolution

Resolution

Multiple

orgasms

One orgasm

(a) Women

Excitement

and plateau

but no orgasm

Time

Orgasm

Plateau

Excitement

(b) Men

Refractory

period

Refractory

period

Res

olution

Resolution