Well, in my case, without a doubt, but we’re not talking about me. We’re talking about the rest of you.
I’m reading Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely, the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, etc. He possesses a really huge resume which I won’t repeat here.
It’s a fascinating look at human behavior and habits. And Dr. Ariely, if I misstate anything regarding your book or study, I apologize in advance.
Okay, back to the topic at hand. When you are sexually aroused, are you more likely to make poor decisions? Or, let me rephrase the question - Might sexual arousal affect your decision making? This is the question Dan Ariely asked himself re: male college students.
Chapter Six: The Influence of Sexual Arousal, Why Hot Is Much Hotter Than We Realize.
Commonsense says, hell yeah, sexual arousal will affect our ability to make logical decisions, in the same way too much alcohol or illicit drug use will.
Twenty-five male students were asked the same questions twice, once when they were in a state of non-arousal…let’s say when the students were in the temperate zones, and again, when they were in a state of sexual arousal via sexually suggestive images and masturbation. Let’s say they were living large in the tropics.
The study indicated that while answering questions in a non-aroused state, most students provided logical, safe, non-kinky, very politically correct answers. In an aroused state, their answers changed. For instance, when they weren’t aroused, most said they would use a condom if they didn’t know the sexual history of a new sexual partner. During arousal, an increased number said they might not.
While in the temperate zone, most students said they wouldn’t want to be tied up or spanked or consider having sex with a much older woman. While in the tropics, an increased number of the students admitted they found the idea or possibility of the above activities arousing.
Dr. Ariely wonders, in his summary of the chapter, if we are, each of us, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He asks if we know ourselves as well as we think we do.
I don’t find his results surprising at all so I’m going to pose questions of my own involving variables that were not discussed.
A. How much does peer pressure, the need for social acceptance, and the desire for political correctness affect our answers when we are living in the temperate zone? Even when our answers are kept secret from other participants?
B. Is the issue that we don’t know ourselves as well as we think we do, or might it be more accurate to posit the following: when our inhibition level decreases, as it does with sexual arousal, alcohol consumption, or drug usage, are we more likely to override that inner censor and say what we really think? Think Spring Break.
Thoughts, ladies and gents…love to hear ‘em!
Oh, come on! Do we really need a learned Professor to tell us that sexual arousal, like falling in love, makes us behave like lunatics? People in love are capable of the craziest things. Like the ancient billionaire who truly believes the elegant bimbo he married is not interested in the terms of his will (aren’t I catty?)
Hasn’t everyone reached the point, during a torrid session of love-making, when we would welcome another participant to plug spare gaps etc? You would never entertain the idea in the cold light of washing the dishes, but when you’re hot and really, really horny, well, welcome aboard!
So it’s not just you, Julia. I’m holding my hand up too.
Yes, J.G. Arousal is indeed arousal. I found the study fascinating, but the results did not surprise me. Yes, it is easy to be pragmatic and logical when answering a question regarding sex out of context.
The interesting thing about college students is, IMO, how peer pressure and the desire to seem politically correct might influence their answers even when they are all alone.
We know what we SHOULD say and do…even as “mature” adults…but do we ACT on it. No, I don’t think so when there’s a particularly wicked itch to scratch.
I suppose college students are, to a varying extent, blank pages that are being written on. I know I was.
Thinking about about it, if I’d known then what I know now - well - rabbits would have been able to take lessons! I would have tried everything and everyone and as often as possible - before responsibility set in.
Anny, I think we are very susceptible to flawed decision making when it comes to sex - except when we’re, as J.G. says, washing dishes in the bright light of day. Then we know exactly the right thing to do.
What’s interesting, Jacqueline, is that safe-sex and/or abstinence has been drilled into kids for years, far more so than when I was in college, but sometimes that all goes out the window when you’re in the thick of things.
Back in the mists of time, us flower children were not far removed from a time when the consequences of an accident (i.e. a baby, want one or not) were a social disaster. We had the pill, but had yet to adjust our philosophy to it.
And ‘unsafe sex’ was not a great risk - nearly everything could be cured. No AIDS, although we did not know in Liverpool Uni that a sailor who died in 1967 in our city would later be identified as one of the first case.
I think everyone has a little Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in us. I also are with what Anny says. Wow, Jacqueline - I didn’t know that.
I believe we’re more honest while under the influence or sexual aroused. Our barriers are down. My ex always said don’t give her vodka it’s truth sermen for her and you might not like what she has to say!
A highly aroused state is almost indistinguishable from a drugged state-because a highly aroused person is effectively in an altered state. Dealing with altered states is part of being human.
I think there are vast parts of our personality operating under the ego’s radar. I’m certain even a placebo alibi would release inhibitions in most people (ie, “this blue pill caused 99.9% of our test subjects to experience homosexual fantasies. Let’s see what it does to you…”)
Equally said there are untapped heroic, wise and selfless elements hidden within us all waiting to be called to the surface. Why doesn’t someone study those?
XXOO Kat
ROFLOL! Why is it professors do tests to discover facts on the obvious? Like Kat said, all the chemicals that are released during sexual arousal are definitely happy drugs for the mind. People will let down barriers that they have put up either to blind themselves to their true nature or simply to fit in.
I wonder though what would happen if the same tests had been done on female college students.
Here’s what he says about the decision not to use female students, Nina… “For this study, we decided to seek out only men. In terms of sex, their wiring is a lot simpler than that of women… A copy of Playboy and a darkened room were about all we’d need for a high degree of success.” Hmmm. Doesn’t say much for the male of the species, does it?
I think some of us are blind ourselves to our true nature. Some of us deny our true nature (although we know it to be true). Some of us never think about our true nature or wonder at all. Some of us just want to fit in.
Kat, I totally agree. I think heroic elements can only be studied in hindsight. If you think too much, you’d hesitate to act.
Amber, LOL! Better not give you a drink! I think we’re far more likely to blurt out our thoughts when under the influence of anything. For sure!
Ciara - I think we are made up of many parts. Sometimes we are quite aware of them, sometimes not unless circumstances are right.
Jacqueline - wow! Not something I’d like to be known for.
Jimmy Carter said, “I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.” This comes under the heading of TMI IMHO but give him credit for honesty. Personally I don’t think God docks points for thoughts. If he did we would all be in a lot of trouble.
Well, this totally explains- ah….nevermind.
I love all your candid, humorous, insightful, and unique posts. This is no exception.
Brinda…LMAO! It explains a whole lot!
I’m with you, Yoshi, I don’t think God worries overmuch about our thoughts. It’s our actions that cause Him or Her stress!