Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

culture, emotional intimacy, human sexuality, identity, mental health, social identity

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Human sexuality in Western cultures is generally comprised of emotional intimacy, sexual identity, and sexual behavior. Sex is understood and experienced differently by people as aspects of identity (e.g., culture, race, class, gender, ability, size, religion, sexual identity) affect sexuality. Although engaging in sex is not necessary for a fulfilling life, the majority of adults in the U.S. participate in sexual activity, and regular sexual activity correlates with improved mental health (Brody, 2010).

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