biology Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. For instance, all organisms are made up of cells that process hereditary i ...

and

sexology Sexology is the scientific study of human sexuality, including human sexual interests, behaviors, and functions. The term ''sexology'' does not generally refer to the non-scientific study of sexuality, such as social criticism. Sexologists app ...

, the proceptive phase is the initial period in a relationship when organisms are "

courting Courtship is the period wherein some couples get to know each other prior to a possible marriage. Courtship traditionally may begin after a betrothal and may conclude with the celebration of marriage. A courtship may be an informal and private ...

" each other, prior to the acceptive phase when

copulation Sexual intercourse (or coitus or copulation) is a sexual activity typically involving the insertion and thrusting of the penis into the vagina for sexual pleasure or reproduction.Sexual intercourse most commonly means penile–vaginal penetra ...

occurs. Behaviors that occur during the proceptive phase depend very much on the

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...

, but may include visual

display Display may refer to: Technology * Display device, output device for presenting information, including: ** Cathode ray tube, video display that provides a quality picture, but can be very heavy and deep ** Electronic visual display, output devi ...

s, movements, sounds and odors. The term ''proceptivity'' was introduced into general sexological use by Frank A. Beach in 1976 and refers to behavior enacted by a female to initiate, maintain, or escalate a sexual interaction. There are large species differences in proceptive behavior. The term has also been used to describe women's roles in human courtship, with a meaning very close to Beach's.Moore, Monica M. and Diane L. Butler 1989 Predictive aspects of nonverbal courtship behavior in women. ''Semiotica'', 76:205-215. A near synonym is ''proception.'' The term ''proceptive phase'' refers to pre-consummatory, that is, pre-ejaculatory, behavior and focuses attention on the active role played by the female organism in creating, maintaining, and escalating the sexual interaction.

References

External links

Additional sexological and historical material by the sexologist John Money
Reproduction in animals Mating Animal sexuality {{Sex-stub

See also

References

External links