Sexuality

1. Sexuality By: Courtney Schultz

2. Definitions Normal Aspect Sexual Culture Sexual Identity Identity Styles Sexual Firsts Heterosexual Sexual Script Homosexual Disclosure Self-Stimulation Contraceptives Web Links Menu

3. Definitions • The condition of being characterized and distinguished by sex. • Concern with or interest in sexual activity. • Sexual character or potency.

4. Normal Aspect • Much about adolescent sexuality are: • Problems • Adolescent pregnancy • Sexually transmitted diseases • Sexuality is a normal part of adolescence

5. Sexual Culture • 50 years ago – sex strictly for married • Today – enormous increase in pregnancy among unmarried • Most Americans are undecided about sex, but it’s everywhere • Tension between parents and kids • Most prevalent in the United States

6. Many aspects to developing: Managing sexual feelings Developing new forms of intimacy Learning skills to regulate sexual behavior Involves: Sexual orientation Homosexual Heterosexual Bisexual Activities, interests, and styles of behavior Sexual Identity

7. 5 Sexual Identity Styles • Sexually naïve – low self-esteem, high sex anxiety, virgins • Sexually unassured – low self-esteem, feel unattractive • Sexually competent – confident, comfortable with sexual behavior • Sexually adventurous – explore sexual options • Sexually driven – lots of experience

8. Male 1st kiss – 13.9 1st French – 14.6 Touch breast – 14.9 Touch penis – 15.7 Touch vagina – 15.4 Intercourse – 16.3 Oral sex – 16.9 Female 1st kiss – 15.0 1st French – 15.5 Touch breast – 16.2 Touch penis – 16.6 Touch vagina – 16.4 Intercourse – 17.0 Oral sex – 17.8 Sexual Behavior – Age of Firsts

9. Heterosexual Progression • In one study • Progression consistent • Kissing precedes petting • Petting precedes sexual intercourse • Intercourse precedes oral sex

10. Heterosexual Trends • Percent who say they have had sexual intercourse increased dramatically • Proportion of female college student who report they had intercourse increased more rapidly than males • Initial base for males was greater

11. Heterosexual Incidence • National survey by Guttmacher Inst. • 8 in 10 girls and 7 in 10 boys are virgins at age 15 • Probability of adolescent sex increases with age • Initial sexual intercourse usually occurs about 8 years before marriage

12. Sexual Script • Stereotyped pattern of role prescriptions for how individuals should behave sexually • Differences in male and female sexual scripts often cause problems as adolescent is working out sexual identities

13. “Reasons for having Sex” • National survey of 12 to 18 year olds • A boy is pressuring them • They think they are ready • They want to be loved • They don’t want people to tease them for being a virgin

14. Risk Factors • Under age of 16, most adolescents are ineffective users of contraceptives • Teen pregnancy and STDs • Early sexual activity linked to: • Excessive drinking, drug use, delinquency, and school-relate problems

15. In a longitudinal study: Sexual involvement in girls leads to Depression Lower self-esteem More sexual activity Lower grades Sexual involvement in boys leads to: Substance abuse Extensive sexual activity Girls Risks

16. Homosexual Stats • Alfred Kinsey pioneered much research: • 1 percent report being bisexual • Sexual attractions to both sexes • Between 2 & 5 report being homosexual • Active homosexuals even lower

17. Causes of Homosexuality • No firm answers available • Recent research suggests biological basis • Hormone, brain, and twin studies • A very early critical period might influence sexual orientation • No one factor as cause

18. Homosexual Progression • Not all, but most follow this pathway: • Quietly struggle with same-sex attractions in childhood • Recognition of homosexual in mid to late adolescence • Majority experience some degree of other-sex attractions

19. Defenses against Labeling • “I guess I was drunk” • “It was just a phase I was going through” • “I was lonely” • “I was just curious” • “I just love her and not all girls”

20. Disclosure • Parents are seldom 1st to hear • Mother usually told before fathers • Mothers more likely to know • 50 to 60 percent have disclosed to at least one sibling • 1st person is usually a friend

21. Discriminations • Homophobia – having irrational feelings against homosexuals • Passing – process of hiding one’s sexual identity

22. Possible Link • Big concern with link between suicide risk and sexual orientation • 15 percent of homosexuals have attempted suicide • Compared to 7% heterosexual

23. Self-Stimulation • No matter the sexual orientation • Adolescents confront increasing arousal • Youths who are not dating or engaging in intercourse deal with • Self-stimulation or masturbation

24. Masturbation • Most frequent sexual outlet • Today teens not as guilty • As few as 15 percent are ashamed • Twice as many males as females said they had masturbated • No association between sexual adjustment and masturbation

25. Contraceptives • Adolescents have increased use • Most common form is condom • Adolescent girls most common form is the pill • 1/3 of girls who rely on the pill, also rely on condoms

26. Web Links • http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/Stats_Trends/Stats_and_Trends.htm • http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Equality/SexualOrientation/statsresearch • Main source – Adolescence by Santrock

27. Definitions Normal Aspect Sexual Culture Sexual Identity Identity Styles Sexual Firsts Heterosexual Sexual Script Homosexual Disclosure Self-Stimulation Contraceptives Web Links Menu

28. THE END • I hope you enjoyed my multimedia • Have a great day 