Analyzing the Factors that
Affects One’s Attitudes and
HEALTH Practices Related to Sexuality
and Sexual Behaviors
MELCs:
Analyzes the factors that affect one’s attitudes and practices related to sexuality and sexual behaviors(H8FH-
Ib-19)
LEARN:
Factors that Affect One’s Attitudes and Practices Related to Sexuality
and Sexual Behaviors
In the book Exploring The Dimensions of Human Sexuality, according to Greenberg,
Bruess and Oswalt (2017) these are the factors:
Religion. Religious and spiritual beliefs influence feelings about morality, sexual
behavior, premarital sexual behavior, adultery, divorce, contraception, and abortion. A study
conducted at a southeastern university, showed that both males and females who reported less
frequent worship attendance and weaker religious feelings were more likely to participate in
sexual behaviors than those with more frequent worship attendance and stronger religious
feelings (Penhollow, Young, & Denny, 2005).
Multiculturalism. Cultures in different countries differ in their views of sexuality. A
person’s ethnic background is usually determined by birth and is related to country of origin,
native language, race and religion. Example, in some western countries abortion and same sex
marriage is legal but it is considered illegal in our country.
Socioeconomic Status. Socioeconomic status and education also influence sexual
attitudes and behaviors. Example of this influence include low-income individuals often thinking
and acting differently than middle-class individuals, being more likely to engage in sexual
activities in an earlier age and having children outside of marriage. The poor have less access to
proper health care, birth control, and care during pregnancy, day care for children, and positive
sexual role models.
Ethics. The ethics of sexuality involves questioning the way we treat ourselves and other
people. Examples of sexually oriented ethical dilemmas include the following: Should I or
should I not participate in a certain sexual behavior? Is it ethical not to disclose my full sexual
history to a person I’m going to marry? Is it ethical to engage in sexual behaviors with a person
who is married? Is it ethical to use position of power to obtain sexual partners? Is it ethical
to engage in same sex relationships and activities?
Media. Media help shape public attitudes on many topics on sexuality, gender roles, and
sexual behaviors. The depictions of sexuality we encounter in the media are there mainly to
entertain and sell products. Consequently, the media do not provide us with realistic depictions.
Television shows are filled with portrayals of sexual activity and “doublemeaning” comments.
MAPEH Department Quarter 1 Learning Activity Sheet_Health8-Wk21 | P a g e
The music industry has countless sexual images. Listen to the words of many currently
popular songs and you will hear many sexual contents. So choose the media that could promote
sexual health by communicating accurate information and portraying realistic situations.
Politics. Public policy affects our sexual behavior. For example, the Republic Act No.
10354 or also known as Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 which the
State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons including their right to equality
and non-discrimination of these rights, the right to sustainable human development, the right to
health which includes reproductive health, the right to education and information and the right
to choose and make decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious convictions,
ethics, cultural beliefs, and the demands of responsible parenthood. Republic Act No. 9262 or
known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 that hereby declared
that the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human
rights. The state also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly
women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security. These
policies will serve as the legal basis on the implementation of the said laws
MAPEH Department Quarter 1 Learning Activity Sheet_Health8-Wk22 | P a g e
