Lecture Notes

The rejection of natural versus unnatural, normal versus abnormal, and moral versus immoral categories by sex researchers does not mean that standards for evaluating sexual behavior do not exist. There are many sexual behaviors that are harmful to oneself and to others. Current psychological standards for determining the harmfulness of sexual behaviors center around the issues of coercion, potential harm to oneself or others, and personal distress. The basic standard for judging various sexual behaviors is whether they are between consenting adults, and whether they cause harm. It is up to the individual to evaluate the ethical or moral aspect of the behavior in accordance with his or her own values, understanding diverse sexual attitudes, motives, behaviors, and values will help deepen the individual's own value system.