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How External Influences Affect Our Sexual Development

REMINDER:  All coursework is due by 11:59 PM Eastern on Saturday of this last Module.

Introduction:

In this forum, we will explore the profound impact that external influences have on our sexual development. Our discussion will focus on how various cultural institutions, such as family, media, religion, and education, shape our attitudes and beliefs about human sexuality. The way society interprets and manages sexual issues significantly affects all the dimensions we’ve discussed in this course.

Discussion Questions:

1. Cultural Influence:In what ways have cultural institutions (e.g., family, religion, media) influenced your understanding and attitudes toward human sexuality?
2. Societal Interpretation:How does society’s interpretation of sexual issues affect individual sexual development and psychological well-being?

 

Remember to review the academic expectations for your submission.

Submission Instructions:

• Submit your initial discussion post by 11:59 PM Eastern on Wednesday.
• Contribute a minimum of 350 words for your initial post. It should include at least 2 academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.
• Respond to at least two of your classmates’ discussion posts by 11:59 PM Eastern on Saturday. Ask a question, and provide a different viewpoint.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Students:

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Step 1: Understand the Two Questions

Q1 – Cultural Influence
Reflect on your personal experience with institutions like:

• Family: What were you taught about sexuality growing up?

• Religion: Were there restrictions or values placed on sexual behavior?

• Media: How did television, music, or social media shape your perceptions?

Q2 – Societal Interpretation
Zoom out to look at how society’s messages (e.g., laws, public discourse, stigma) impact:

• Self-esteem

• Sexual confidence

• Access to education or healthcare

• LGBTQ+ acceptance and mental health

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Step 2: Start Writing Your Initial Post

Use this suggested structure:

Introduction (1 paragraph)

• Briefly introduce what external influences you’ll discuss

• Mention the goal of your post: exploring how those influences shaped sexual development

Body Paragraph 1 – Cultural Institutions (Q1)

• Pick 1–2 institutions (e.g., family and media)

• Provide personal reflections, observations, or general societal trends

• Support with an academic source
  Example: Santrock, J. W. (2019). Life-span development (17th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Body Paragraph 2 – Societal Interpretation (Q2)

• Discuss society’s role in shaping sexual norms and how that affects individuals

• Link to psychological well-being (e.g., shame, openness, mental health)

• Cite another academic article
  Example: Tolman, D. L., & McClelland, S. I. (2011). Normative sexuality development. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48(3), 219–221.

Conclusion

• Summarize your key takeaways

• Mention one question or thought for your classmates to respond to

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Step 3: APA Citations

In-text citation example:
According to Tolman and McClelland (2011), societal norms can lead to internalized stigma regarding sexual identity…

Reference list example:
Tolman, D. L., & McClelland, S. I. (2011). Normative sexuality development. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48(3), 219–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.06.013

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Step 4: Peer Responses

• Choose two classmates’ posts

• Ask a follow-up question about their experience or source

• Offer a different cultural perspective or media example

• Keep your tone respectful and inquisitive

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Helpful Resources:

• APA Citation Guide – Purdue OWL

• Kinsey Institute – Sexual Development Resources

• SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change

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