proceptive phase

{{short description|Courting phase of a reproductive relationship}}

In biology and sexology, the proceptive phase is the initial period in a relationship when organisms are "courting" each other,John Money, [https://www.jstor.org/stable/2824989 The Development of Sexuality and Eroticism in Humankind], The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 56, No. 4 (Dec., 1981), pp. 379-404 prior to the acceptive phase when copulation occurs. Behaviors that occur during the proceptive phase depend very much on the species, but may include visual displays, movements, sounds and odors.

The term proceptivity was introduced into general sexological use by Frank A. Beach in 1976Beach, F.A. 1976 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0018506X76900088 Sexual attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity in female mammals]. Hormones and Behavior, 7:105-138.John Money, [http://www.haworthpress.com/store/ArticleAbstract.asp?sid=BUECAAHTCHJB8KA8XTPP6HC5GA9NDKT1&ID=95038 Human Sexuality: Concupiscent and Romantic], Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, Volume: 15 Issue: 1; {{ISSN|0890-7064}} Pub Date: 16 December 2003 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.Perper, Timothy 1985. Sex Signals: The Biology of Love. Philadelphia: ISI Press. Chapters 4 and 5Perper, Timothy 1994 "Courtship." In Vern L. Bullough and Bonnie Bullough, editors. Human Sexuality: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland. pages 152-155.Moore, Monica M. 1985 [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Monica_Moore3/publication/246974326_Nonverbal_courtship_patterns_in_women_Context_and_consequences/links/55c37d6e08aeb975674014ba/Nonverbal-courtship-patterns-in-women-Context-and-consequences.pdf Nonverbal courtship patterns in women: Context and consequences]. Ethology and Sociobiology, 6:201-212.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.