strong6_ppt_ch06
- 1. Chapter Six Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence
- 2. Sexuality Throughout the Life Cycle From the moment we are born, 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 begins on gender roles, how we should feel about our bodies Learning about affectionate touch: Infants need stroking and cuddling Psychosexual stages from Chapter 5
- 4. Sexuality in Childhood Children become aware of sex and sexuality earlier than most people realize Curiosity and exploration of their own (and other children’s) bodies Masturbation is normal About 40% of woman and 38% of men in one study remember masturbating before puberty. Children become aware of sex and sexuality earlier than most people realize Important for children to know proper names and functions of genitals
- 5. The Family Context Family styles of physical expression and feelings about modesty, privacy, and nudity vary Families 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 Pubertal changes generally begin between ages 7 and 14 Growth spurt Breast development Pubic and underarm hair Vaginal secretions Menarche
- 8. Puberty in Boys Pubertal 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 Does not always indicate a homosexual or bisexual orientation 3-10% of teenagers begin to come to terms with same-sex attraction during adolescence Few feel like they can talk to parents May be engaged in heterosexual dating and sex
- 11. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Adolescents Often experience adolescence as a time of great emotional pain Face harassment More likely to have attempted suicide More likely to have been absent from school out of fear for safety Many teens of color with same-sex attraction face the additional burden of gayness being understood as “white,” and face rejection by their ethnic and racial peers More counseling and support services are now available in some areas to support teens
- 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’s first intercourse is 16.9, and women’s 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 Teens view sex within a relationship as acceptable
- 13. First Intercourse Many individuals 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 Vocal opposition 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 (those which lead to unintended pregnancy or infection) 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
- 20. Summary Sexuality in infancy and childhood Sexuality in adolescence Sexual activity Teen pregnancy