Sex: a Psychological and Physiological Motive

In some ways, sex functions in accordance with the drive-reduction model of motivation, in that sexual desire increases psychological tension and can be relieved through orgasm.  But unlike hunger and thirst, sexual arousal is actively sought as enjoyable in itself.

Nobody dies from a lack of sex, since individual survival doesn't depend on it, although survival of the species does.  Nor is there any sound evidence that abstinence from sexual activity is detrimental to a person's health.

Rather, the urgency of sexual desire is often influenced more by psychological and social factors than by hormones, so that it is doubtful sex should be considered a drive like hunger and thirst.In short, the sexual motive is a unique blend of inborn and learned influences.

The greatest change in our attitude toward sex is the realization that sexual feelings are present in everyone.  Sex is not just for young, attractive people anymore.  Sexual desire is present in older people, unattractive people, and handicapped people.