1. Chapter Six Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence

2. Sexuality Throughout the Life Cycle • From birth, we are rich in sexual and erotic potential • As children, the world around us shapes our views of our bodies, gender, and sexuality • As adolescents, our education continues as learning and yearning • As adults, we develop a potentially mature sexuality which is continually re-interpreted as we age

3. Sexuality in Infancy • Psychosexual development begins in infancy • Learning about gender roles, how we should feel about our bodies • Learning about affectionate touch: Infants need stroking and cuddling

4. Sexuality in Childhood • Awareness of sex and sexuality begins earlier than most people realize • Masturbation is normal • About 40% of woman and 38% of men in one study remember masturbating before puberty. • Important for children to know proper names and functions of genitals

5. The Family Context • Styles of physical expression and feelings about modesty, privacy, and nudity vary • Communicate implicit messages about sexuality to children through their expression and feelings

6. Sexuality in Adolescence • Puberty: stage of development when body is capable of reproduction • Adolescence: the psychological state of puberty • A time of growth and confusion • Body matures faster than emotional and intellectual capabilities

7. Puberty in Girls • Changes generally begin between ages 7 and 14 • Growth spurt • Breast development • Pubic and underarm hair • Vaginal secretions • Menarche

8. Puberty in Boys • Changes generally begin between ages 9 and 16 • Growth spurt • Deepening voice • Muscle-mass growth • Pubic, underarm, and facial hair • Penis and testicles grow and develop • Ejaculation of semen

9. Influences on Sexual Development • Parents • Learn through observing parents’ behavior • Does not generalize to sexual orientation • Peers • Share information/misinformation • Create expectancy • Media • Significant exposure and influence

10. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Questioning Adolescents • Many people experience sexual fantasies concerning members of same sex • 3-10% of teenagers begin to come to terms with same-sex attraction during adolescence

11. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Adolescents • Often a time of great emotional pain • More likely to have attempted suicide • More likely to have been absent from school out of fear for safety • Many teens of color face the additional burden of gayness being understood as “white,” and face rejection by their ethnic and racial peers

12. Adolescent Sexual Behavior • Hormones bring about a dramatic increase in sexual interest • Masturbation becomes more frequent • First intercourse • In the U.S., the average age for men is 16.9, and women is 17.4 years • Rates of first intercourse in high school are decreasing • Contraceptive use in this age group is increasing • 1/3 of sexually active young women become pregnant once before the age of 20 • View sex within a relationship as acceptable

13. First Intercourse • Many experience regret later in life regarding their first intercourse • Alcohol use is a predictor of sexual activity • Poor parental supervision is a predictor of sexual activity • Socioeconomic status

14. Teen Pregnancy • Rates of pregnancy and abortion in the U.S. are at their lowest in 60 years • Global pregnancy rates are rising • Difficult time in life to be pregnant due to restricted resources • Infants of teens have heightened risk of health problems

15. Teen Mothers • High likelihood of living at or below poverty levels • Increase in teen mothers being unmarried • Ethnic differences in teen mothers • Higher risk of abuse • Special needs for social services

16. Teen Fathers • Incidence is lower than teen mothers • Difficult to contribute support for children • Social support

17. Sexuality Education • Most teenagers have pressing concerns about sexuality • Most parents favor sexuality education for their children • The subject remains controversial • Controversy over homosexuality, contraception, and condom instruction

18. Sexuality Education: Types Comprehensive: • Abstinence-based • Abstinence-only • Abstinence-only-until-marriage

19. Characteristics of Effective Sexuality Education Programs • A focus on reducing risky behaviors • A basis in proven theoretical approaches • A strong, clear stance on risky behavior • Providing accurate information about risks and methods • Addressing social pressures • Helping participants personalize course content