Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 resolution 
stage. 
The body returns to its resting state, reversing the changes brought about by 
arousal. The genitals resume their unaroused size and shape; blood pressure, breath-
ing, and heart rate return to normal.
Male and female responses differ signifi cantly during the resolution stage; these 
differences are depicted in Figure 2. Women are able to cycle back to the orgasm 
phase and experience repeated orgasms. Ultimately, of course, females enter the fi nal 
resolution stage, and then they return to their prestimulation state. In contrast, it 
generally is thought that men enter a refractory period during the resolution stage. 
During the
 refractory period, 
men are unable to develop an erection and therefore 
are unable to have another orgasm and ejaculate. The refractory period may last 
from a few minutes to several hours; in the elderly it may continue for several days 
(Goldstein, 2000).
excitement phase
The period in 
which an arousing stimulus begins a 
sequence that prepares the genitals for 
sexual intercourse.
plateau phase
The period in which the 
maximum level of arousal is attained, 
the penis and clitoris swell with blood, 
and the body prepares for orgasm.
orgasm
The peak of sexual excite-
ment, during which rhythmic muscu-
lar contractions occur in the genitals.
resolution stage
The interval after 
orgasm in which the body returns to 
its unaroused state, reversing the 
changes brought about by arousal.
refractory period
A temporary period 
that follows the resolution stage and 
during which the male cannot develop 
an erection again.
FIGURE 2
A four-stage model of the sexual response cycle for males and females based on 
the fi ndings of Masters and Johnson (1966). Note how the male pattern (a) includes a 
refractory period. Part (b) shows three possible female patterns. In A, the pattern is closest to 
the male cycle except that the woman has two orgasms in a row. In B, there is no orgasm, 
whereas in C orgasm is reached quickly and the woman rapidly returns to an unaroused 
state. 
(Source: After Masters & Johnson, 1966.)
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