proceptive phase: in a sexuoerotic relationship, the initial phase of reciprocal signaling and responding to attraction and solicitation, in a ritual of wooing or courtship prerequisite to the acceptive (copulatory) phase. Proceptive rituals are species specific, and the signals are variably odors, visual displays, movements, sounds, or mixed. In human beings proceptive rituals are known to be represented in imagery as well as carried out in behavior; in an erotic/ sexual relationship, the initial phase in which the two partners both woo in a ritual of solicitation, attracting, responding, and courtship. The signals are chiefly odors, motions, or visual signs, or mixed.
See also acceptive phase;
conceptive phase.
Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index