Final answer:
Factors that influence sexuality, including cultural norms and socialization agents, significantly shape both attitudes and practices related to sexual behaviors. Diverse societal interpretations of sexual norms and the emergence of peers and media as strong influences underscore the complexity of sexuality's role in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that influence sexuality, such as cultural norms, socialization agents like family, education, peers, media, and religion, significantly shape attitudes and practices related to sexual behaviors. Sexual behavior is a cultural universal, meaning that while the majority of societies participate in sexual relationships, there's a diverse range of attitudinal and behavioral norms. For instance, attitudes towards premarital sex, age of sexual consent, homosexuality vary widely across cultures. Additionally, the incest taboo is one example of a sexual norm present across societies, although specifics vary.
In contemporary times, especially in the U.S., peers and media have become influential in shaping sexual practices and attitudes, sometimes more so than historical influencers like religion. It's also important to note that the conception of sexual orientation can vary from culture to culture, as seen in the works of Alfred Kinsey, who viewed sexuality as a continuum rather than a binary concept.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question about how factors that influence sexuality affect attitudes and practices related to sexual behaviors is that they significantly shape both attitudes and practices.