Adolescent sexuality

Abstract

Adolescent sexuality is surveyed from three angles: the emergence of adult sexual functions, the participation in sexual behaviors, and the relationship of sexuality to the developmental tasks of adolescence. Common medical problems arising from adolescent sexual activity are also discussed.

PIP: In this discussion of adolescent sexuality, focus is on biological, behavioral, and developmental aspects as well as the problematic aspects. The marked hormonal changes that occur in puberty somehow influence the sexual motivation of the adolescent. Such influence operates in a psychosocial context, which in tern determines in crucial ways how the adolescent behaves sexually. Much of what is commonly understood as constituting sexual behavior does not result in orgasm, but orgasm is a convenient measure of sexual activity that can be quantified. Existing statistics regarding sexual behavior in adolescents are generally of questionable reliability, but a few are cited in an effort to provide a general idea of the ranges involved. There is good evidence that the rate of premarital sex among women has increased considerably during the past 10-year period. For members of both sexes, the 1st coitus tends to take place with someone they have known for quite some time, although males tend to be more opportunistic in this regard. Coitus is usually a milestone in the continuum of psychosexual development. Adolescent sexuality needs to be examined in the larger general context of adolescence as a phase of life and more specifically in terms of the particular experience of that phase for a given individual. The relationship of sexuality to 3 key developmental tasks is considered: the formation of personal identity, the maturation of interpersonal relationships, and the enhancement of self-esteem. The 2 most common medical concerns arising from adolescent sexual behavior are pregnancy and venereal disease.