University Name: Human Sexuality Case Study Ethical Dilemma Analysis

This essay presents a case study involving a man, Mike, who faces an ethical dilemma when he engages in an intimate act with another woman while in a long-distance relationship. The essay analyzes Mike's behavior through the lens of various psychological theories, including Kinsey's theory of sexual orientation and Freud's theories on instinct and defense mechanisms. It explores how situational factors, loneliness, and the desire to satisfy ego contribute to his actions. Furthermore, the essay delves into the ethical considerations of the situation, referencing the American Psychological Association's ethical standards, particularly regarding integrity, respect for people's rights and dignity, and social responsibility. The analysis offers insights into the conflict between maintaining a relationship and being truthful, concluding with a recommendation to prioritize ethical considerations. The essay uses references from the provided list to support the analysis and arguments presented.

Running head: HUMAN SEXUALITY
Human sexuality
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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Main idea:
Human sexuality is a crucial part of an individual which involves the sexual attractions
for another person (Shepherd, 2014). The case study presents an ethical dilemma of Mike that
was in an exclusive relationship with his girlfriend but eventually intimated with another young
woman from her class at the beer party he attended out of anger. This essay will argue about
behaviour and ethical dilemma of Mike regarding the mishap he did which further affected his
relationship with the assistance.
Analysis:
Concept of related to the case study:
The concept of this scenario is associated with rationalizing the situation as a means by
which each individual feel that they are doing the right thing and therefore satisfy their ego.
According to the gender theory, the sexual attraction for the opposite sex is common and
situational (Shepherd, 2014). Since Mike was lonely and had a relationship with his girlfriend,
refuses to be intimate with the young girl but eventually participated in the act. Moreover, the
case studies also related to the instinct theory of Sigmund Freud which suggested that all
organisms were born with innate tendencies to help themselves (Bibring, 2018). Therefore, the
expression of aggression showed by Mike was related to his sexuality and when he was provided
with the opportunity to intimate he gave in. Kinsey’s theory explains that individual gives
response according to his past experience. Since he was in long distance relationship, he was
feeling lonely. Consequently, despite having the relationship he responded to the sexual act of

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the young girl. Moreover, the case study closely related to the Freud concerning the
psychological defence mechanism that individual develops a while performing the sexual act
(Freud, 2018). Therefore, in the context of the case study, while the young girl was willing to
perform the oral sex with him, he was willing to participate in the act because of his development
of ego in the particular situation which he was deprived due to the long distance relationships.
Consequently, even if he was hesitating to participate in the act, under stress he participated in
the act with the young girl. During this period he was experiencing different conflict regarding
his relationship and regarding the current situation; however in order to satisfy the ego eventually
he gave in (Freud, 2018).
Evidence:
As discussed in the part of analysis, a lot of evidence accumulated to support the theory
that fit into the case study. According to Jackson (2016), Kinsey’s theory of sexual orientation
also explains the dilemma Mike was facing. As per the concept in the analysis part, Freud
suggested that during the stages of oral sex, the male develops an ego and perform the act to
satisfy the ego (Freud, 2018). Therefore, Mike involved in the intimate relationship with the
young girl.
Ethical consideration:
In the context present case study, ethical standards guide professional behaviour of the
issues and concept identified. There are seven key principles of ethics which guide the
professional behaviour of individual (American Psychological Association, 2016). According to
the ethical standard the integrity of the individual should be maintained while performing an act
(American Psychological Association, 2016). Moreover, principle D of ethical standard
suggested Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity is crucial for living in the society. Therefore,

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in order to behave properly, respecting each other’s decision in the sexual act is crucial for the
Mike. Thus respecting the dignity and people rights also include the relationship with his girl and
respecting her decision regarding the relationship (Gibson, 2017). Considering, Principle E:
Social Responsibility is crucial to guide the professional behaviour regarding the issues observed
in the case study (Gibson, 2017). Being in a relationship with a woman who lives 600 miles
away, he has some social responsibility towards it. Although he participated in the act with the
young girl, he was facing the ethical dilemma. In the current context, the argument arises that
either in order to maintain the social responsibility, he can be truthful to his girlfriend and
confess about the encounter from the party (Bush & Schatz, 2017). In this case, although his
relationship may be the verge of breaking he can follow the ethical standard. On the other hand,
in order to keep the relationship with his girlfriend, he can hide the encounter with the girl.
Lead out:
Thus it can be concluded that from the theoretical framework and concepts, although he
had the relationship with his girlfriend, in order to satisfy his ego as well as the under stress, he
participated in the act. Therefore, supporting the entire concept identified, it should be
recommended to follow ethical considerations in order to be truthful.

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References:
American Psychological Association. (2016). Revision of Ethical Standard 3.04 of the" Ethical
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct"(2002, as amended 2010). The
American psychologist, 71(9), 900.
Bibring, E. (2018). The development and problems of the theory of the instincts 1. In Influential
Papers from the 1940s(pp. 53-85). Routledge.
Bush, S. S., & Schatz, P. (2017). Advanced technology and assessment: Ethical and
methodological considerations. The Role of Technology in Clinical Neuropsychology;
Kane, R., Parsons, TD, Eds, 457-470.
Freud, A. (2018). Stages of development. In The Harvard Lectures (pp. 65-78). Routledge.
Gibson, A. M. (2017). Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges.
Jackson, L. (2016). The Interchanging Development of Sexuality: Laumann's Theory in LGBTQ
Texts. Excellence in Performing Arts Research, 3(1), 2.
Shepherd, L. J. (Ed.). (2014). Gender matters in global politics: a feminist introduction to
international relations. Routledge.
Walker, H. E., Freud, J. S., Ellis, R. A., Fraine, S. M., & Wilson, L. C. (2017). The prevalence of
sexual revictimization: A meta-analytic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse,
1524838017692364.