In human sexual behavior, personality traits, self-awareness, and the intimacy of the partner relationship are crucial. In 1995, Maltz developed a hierarchical model of constructive and destructive expressions of human sexual desire, a standard theory of sexuality. Maltz views sexual energy as a neutral energy, with the intention and sequence of sexual behavior leading to either a positive or negative outcome. This is represented by seven points, or seven levels, progressing from zero to the two extremes. The three positive levels of sexual behavior are based on mutual selection, care, respect, and safety.
Level +1 represents active role practice, reflecting well-defined gender roles as defined by social or religious customs. In this custom (heterosexual), men initiate sexual activity, women passively accept it, they respect each other, there is no coercion or resentment, and there is a strong sense of security and predictability. Procreation and the release of sexual tension are the primary purposes of their sex lives.
Level +2 is sexual intercourse, emphasizing mutual pleasure achieved through personal sexual creation and experience. Traditional gender roles are set aside, and sexual behavior is expanded into an exploratory practice of erotic entertainment. Through sexual self-expression, more intimate communication is created, allowing sexual partners to reveal themselves more deeply.
Level +3 represents true sexual intimacy, where sexual intercourse brings a shared feeling of oneness, a connection between oneself and one's partner, imbued with a sense of bodily reverence within an emotional experience. The enjoyment of sensual pleasure includes rich expressions of love between the partners. The sweetness and development of the relationship are key, leading to a deeper sense of wholeness for both.
Maltz also points out that sexual interaction can be distressing or traumatic, often imposed on one person by another. At the negative levels, each level becomes increasingly destructive.
Level -1 represents inhumane interactions , characterized by a lack of care, respect, and responsibility towards oneself or others. The individual may not realize the negative consequences of this behavior on themselves or their partner, including unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV infection. Tolerating unpleasant sexual behavior or concealing information from one's partner (regarding sexual health or experience) often occurs at this level, leading to uncomfortable, unpleasant, or uneasy feelings.
Level -2 is abusive interaction, where one person coerces and dominates another's sexual behavior while fully conscious. Non-violent acquaintance rape or incest falls into this level. It primarily involves coercive sexual acts against the will of the sexual partner. Compulsive verbal communication or brainwashing also falls into this level; through distorted thinking, the sexual exploiter rationalizes their harm to another person or refuses to acknowledge the harmfulness of the sexual act. This behavior or experience often damages the victim's self-esteem.
Level -3 is violent interaction, where sexual energy is used to express hostility, and sexual organs become weapons or targets. Serial sex killers or rapists, as well as rape during wartime, are typical extreme examples of this level.
To view sexual expression as a means of self-awareness or relationship improvement, one should experience a positive level of sexual interaction that aligns with their personal value system. The higher the level, the more mature and complete the sexual expression, and the more harmonious the sexual relationship.
This article is from Zhen Hongli's blog. Expert Profile: PhD in Medical Psychology from Peking University, specializing in sex therapy; Head of the Women's Sexual Health Department at Beijing Wuzhou Hospital; Vice Chairman of the Adolescent Sexual Health Education Committee of the Chinese Sexology Association; Founder of Female Sensate Focus Therapy; Long-term collaborating psychological expert on the famous Beijing People's Radio program " Whispers Tonight".
