Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Havelock Ellis offers an analytical exploration of erotic symbolism and sexual psychology, examining how symbolic associations, physiological processes, and social attitudes shape human sexual behavior. This volume delves into aberrations of the sexual instinct, the mechanics of climax, and the profound psychological state of pregnancy.

Summary up to 500 words

In Volume 5 of *Studies in the Psychology of Sex*, Havelock Ellis investigates the terminal phenomena of the sexual process, focusing on the complex interplay between physiology and psychology. The volume opens with a preface introducing the concept of 'Erotic Symbolism,' where Ellis argues that many sexual aberrations are not distinct perversions but rather 'sexual equivalents.' He posits that attention often shifts from a beloved person to peripheral objects or acts—such as fetishes or specific body parts—due to a transmutation of values where these symbols acquire dynamic power over the psycho-physical mechanism. Ellis distinguishes between the symbolism of objects and the symbolism of acts, noting that while primitive symbolism exists in nature, human erotic symbolism involves higher mental faculties like imagination and analysis. He asserts that every sexual perversion, including homosexuality, is fundamentally a form of erotic symbolism where an object or act assumes supreme erotic value. The text extensively covers 'The Mechanism of Detumescence,' the final stage of the sexual process. Ellis details the circulatory and respiratory changes, such as increased blood pressure, shallow breathing, and rapid heartbeats, citing physiological data from animal studies and human experiments. He describes motor activities including trembling, involuntary muscle contractions, and glandular secretions like perspiration and urethrorrhoea. The work explores the transition from sexual feeling to maternal feeling, discussing how the impulse to foster and protect can transform sexual emotion. A significant portion is dedicated to 'The Psychic State in Pregnancy,' where Ellis examines the physical changes in the mother, the debated phenomenon of maternal impressions, and the psychological shift toward motherhood. He addresses the debate over sexual relations during pregnancy and the physiological adjustments required, concluding that maternity represents a supreme position in life where the complex process of sex reaches its ultimate goal. The volume stands as a comprehensive study of the physiological and psychological climax of human sexuality.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology
• Science
• Sexology