How Do Biology, Feelings, And Values Shape Sexual Attraction?
Key takeaways
- Sexual attraction is one of several types of attraction that people can experience; other types include emotional attraction, physical attraction, aesthetic attraction, and romantic attraction.
- Factors such as hormones, pheromones, genetics, emotions, and personal values can all influence sexual attraction.
- If you are experiencing concerns regarding sexual attraction, intimacy, or other relationship topics, speaking with a qualified therapist can help.
People can experience multiple types of attraction, and sexual attraction is one of them. Sexual attraction typically stems from a variety of factors, including biology, emotions, and personal values. Those who experience challenges with sexual attraction, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can attend therapy to receive professional support.
What is attraction?
Attraction can be described as a sense of being drawn to someone. It may be experienced as an urge or desire to be around an individual or get to know them better.
Types of attraction
Attraction is not necessarily sexual in nature, although it can be. People can experience various types of attraction. The most common include emotional attraction, physical attraction, aesthetic attraction, romantic attraction, and sexual attraction.
What does it mean to be sexually attracted to someone?
Sexual attraction, put simply, is a desire for sexual intimacy with someone. Sexual interest may be mutual, but this isn’t always the case.
Sexual attraction: The definition of being sexually attracted to someone
When you are sexually attracted to someone, it generally means that you have sexual desire for them or crave sexual contact with them. This may encompass wanting to have sexual intercourse, kiss, have physical contact of a sexual nature, or engage in another type of sexual behavior. Whether you find someone sexually attractive is often based on perceived physical attractiveness. Being attracted to someone may involve sexual fantasy about them. If you feel sexual attraction for someone, it is critical to gain consent before acting on it.
How does biology shape sexual attraction?
A person’s biological makeup, including hormones, pheromones, and genetics, is one aspect informing sexual attraction. Other factors can also influence this type of attraction.
Attraction based on biology
Several biological factors can influence a person’s sexual attraction toward others. Hormones—particularly testosterone—often play a role in sexual arousal and desire. Pheromones can play a role as well. Various species (including humans, although this is debated) are thought to emit pheromones, which can be detected by others around them and may signal attraction or prompt desire.
Genetics can also play a role in sexual attraction, and one’s sexual orientation (the genders to whom a person is attracted) may be determined in part by one’s genetic makeup. Even brain structure and function can influence attraction. In real life, these biological factors may have varying influences and are experienced alongside emotional and personal factors that also contribute to attraction.
How do a person’s feelings shape sexual attraction?
Emotions can also contribute to sexual attraction and bonding between individuals. The amount of influence emotions have on attraction may vary from person to person.
Attraction based on emotions
A person’s emotions and how they express them can influence others’ attraction to them, as well as their sense of attraction to others. Facial expressions that indicate positive emotions, such as smiling, can lead a person to be perceived as more attractive. In the long term, shared emotional intimacy usually contributes to bonding between individuals, which can promote attraction as well.
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How do personal values shape sexual attraction?
One’s personal values can also contribute to attraction. This may be especially true when people share similar values.
Attraction based on personal values
Shared personal values can foster attraction in some cases. Spiritual values, political values, and moral values can all play an important role in relationship dynamics. Shared personal values can help people bond through shared activities, similar lifestyles, and compatible life goals. Sharing values and personal beliefs can also create a sense of emotional safety between two people. This can promote emotional intimacy and help people experience sexual attraction.
How is sexual orientation related to sexual attraction?
Sexual orientation is related to attraction because one’s orientation typically determines to whom they are sexually, romantically, and emotionally attracted. People may be homosexual (attracted to the same gender), heterosexual (attracted to the opposite gender), bisexual (attracted to both main genders), or pansexual (attracted to all genders), among other orientations. It can be important to note that sexual orientation is separate from gender identity and expression.
Can therapy help with sex-related concerns?
Therapy can be helpful for various mental health and relationship challenges, including difficulties with sex and sexual attraction. Relationship and sex therapists can work with couples to help them regain or strengthen sexual intimacy. They can also help people who have experienced sexual trauma, those living with sexual disorders, and those who experience sexual dysfunction.
How can online therapy support mental health?
Online therapy can be a convenient way to seek support, particularly for individuals who may not feel comfortable speaking about vulnerable topics like sex in a face-to-face setting. Online care can provide additional scheduling flexibility, eliminate transportation hassles, and allow for customization of the therapy process.
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Online therapy for sex-related concerns, feelings, and overall mental health
Online therapists can use various modalities to address a wide variety of mental health concerns and difficulties related to human behavior. An online therapy platform can connect users with therapists who have the experience to support people with sexual health challenges. Online sex therapists can support gay or heterosexual women or men, whether cis or trans, as well as bisexual and pansexual individuals and people of all orientations. Research suggests that, while more evidence is needed, internet- and mobile-based interventions can be an effective form of treatment for sexual dysfunction.
Takeaway
Attraction to others can be romantic, emotional, aesthetic, physical, or sexual. Sexual attraction is thought to be based on a complex interplay of factors, including biology, emotions, and personal values. This tends to be the case regardless of a person's gender and sexual orientation. If a person is having trouble with sexual attraction or any type of sex-related concern, a qualified therapist can offer support in person or online.
What is considered sexual attraction?
Sexual attraction can be described as a desire to make sexual contact with another person. There are many other types of attraction as well. For example, sensual attraction, intellectual attraction, emotional attraction, and aesthetic attraction are just a few. It can also be important to note that sexual and romantic orientation are two separate concepts.
What triggers sexual attraction?
Sexual attraction can be influenced by a variety of factors, and this idea is supported by science. A person’s sexuality, their biology, their personality, their sense of smell, and their psychology can all play a role. Research shows that even immune systems may affect attraction. According to social psychology, it’s most common for people to be attracted to others who are similar to them in terms of values and background.
How do you know if you're sexually attracted to someone?
You may be sexually attracted to someone if you desire sexual contact with them. You might feel nervous or excited while you’re around them, and you may appreciate their appearance.
What causes intense sexual chemistry?
Hormones usually play a significant role in sexual chemistry. Mutual attraction tends to be important for sexual chemistry in most relationships as well.
How do you know your sexual attraction?
There isn’t an official test or assessment that can reveal the types of people to whom you’re sexually attracted. Instead, you might try to be present and take time to notice the types of people you seem to experience attraction toward. There are so many possibilities to explore, and there’s no requirement to put yourself into a box or find a specific label to describe your orientation.
Why is sexual attraction so powerful?
Sexual attraction can be powerful due to the neurotransmitters released when it is experienced. The human drive to procreate likely also plays a role in the power of sexual attraction.
How does sexual attraction feel physically?
Sexual attraction may be experienced differently by different people. However, it’s common to experience an increased heart rate and body temperature, as well as a sensation of warmth or a tingling feeling. Some people even experience a sensation in their stomach, similar to what they would feel on a roller coaster or while crossing a scary bridge, at the point when they’re feeling sexual attraction.
Is sexual attraction based on looks?
Looks are not the only factor impacting sexual attraction. People tend to experience this type of attraction for a variety of reasons.
Can you force sexual attraction?
In general, you cannot force yourself to be sexually attracted to another person, even if they’re your partner. However, in healthy romantic relationships or even a friendship, it may be possible for sexual attraction to grow over time.
How long does intense sexual attraction last?
Intense sexual attraction doesn’t have a set timeline. In some romantic connections, it may correlate with the length of the “honeymoon period,” but in others, it may last for a longer or shorter stretch of time.
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