Childhood and Adolescence © Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.

How does early positive physical affection help? Helps in establishing physically intimate relationships.

What sexual response is there in infancy? Male and female infants apparently experience orgasm Breast feeding may stimulate a genital or sexual response in the child and parent.

What happens with first menstruation? Called menarche May occur without ovulation May be irregular Girls are starting to reach puberty at age eight

When does first ejaculation occur? Occurs when prostate and seminal vesicles begin functioning Called spermarche

Do you remember? How does early positive physical affection help? What can you tell me about first menstruation? What can you tell me about first ejaculation?

What motivates first intercourse? For women - affection for partner For men - curiosity and readiness or sex

What are the positive aspects of adolescent masturbation? Relieves sexual tension Important part of their sexual development. Learn about your body and what feels good May aid sexual expression with a partner.

How should you respond to early masturbation? Boys learn from friends Girls learn by accident Response to masturbation Confirm it feels good, & indicate it is something you should do when alone in private

Do you remember? What motivates first intercourse? What are the positive aspects of adolescent masturbation? How should you respond to a child’s early masturbation?

What can you tell me about teen pregnancy? Teen pregnancy in the US is the highest in the western world One in five sexually active adolescents become pregnant each year Only half of teen pregnancies end in live births

What is early intercourse associated with? Poverty Low educational expectations History of sexual abuse

Do teenagers use birth control? Only a minority of teenagers use reliable birth control “I’m not that kind of girl” syndrome

What problems do pregnant teenagers have What problems do pregnant teenagers have? (compared to mothers in their 20’s or older) More likely to hemorrhage when delivering More likely to miscarry More likely to get inadequate prenatal care

What problems are children born to teen mothers likely to have? More likely to: Be abused Die as infants Demonstrate deficits in intellectual ability Have physical and emotional problems

Does early same sex behavior mean they are gay? Adolescent same sex behavior does not = gay Many heterosexual persons have has early homosexual experiences Same sex contact may be experimental Person with homosexual orientation may not act on those feelings until adulthood.

Do you remember? How many sexually active adolescents become pregnant each year? How many pregnancies end in live births? What problems do pregnant teenagers and their children have? Does early same sex behavior mean the child is gay?