Sexuality in Adolescence

 WHAT IS SEX?  WHAT IS ABSTINENCE?  Are definitions shifting as we enter this time of transition?  Lisa Remez

Sexuality as an Adolescent Issue  Changes in the nature and meaning of sexual behavior  Sexual activity can now lead to pregnancy  Sexuality is influenced by  Physical changes during puberty  Emerging cognitive capabilities  New psychosocial concerns

4 Sexual Activity During Adolescence  Adolescents likely to be serial monogamists  Having a series of sexual partners over time, but remaining monogamous within each relationship  Stages of Sexual Activity  Autoerotic behavior – sexual behavior that is experienced alone (e.g., having erotic fantasies, masturbation, nocturnal orgasms)  By high school, transition to sexual activity involving another person Although most adolescents follow predictable pattern of sexual stages, African Americans may actually skip some of the steps May help explain ethnicity differences in rates of teenage pregnancies

5 Sexual Activity During Adolescence  Sexual Intercourse During Adolescence  By the end of sophomore year of high school, more than 40% have had heterosexual vaginal intercourse  For many girls (~30%), the first sexual experience is not voluntary

6 Ethnic Differences in Age of Sexual Initiation For Males Average Age of First Intercourse African-American Males15 years Hispanic-American and White Males 16.5 years Asian-American Males18 years

7 The Timing of Sexual Initiation  Adolescents are more likely to lose their virginity during certain times of the year  June and December are peak months  May, June, July common regardless of romantic involvement (prom, graduation)  Holiday season in December is peak time for serious relationships

8 Changes in Adolescent Sexual Activity Over Time  The percentage of sexually active adolescents increased during 1970s and 80s, decreased slightly from 1995 to 2001  One-third of adolescents have early sexual intercourse (before ninth grade)  Greatest increase in prevalence of premarital intercourse has been among females

Sexual Activity During Adolescence Sexual Intercourse during Adolescence  Far more adolescents are sexually active at an earlier age today than several decades ago  Sexual intercourse during high school is now a part of the normative experience of adolescence in America

10 Sexually Active Adolescents  Psychological/Social Characteristics of Sexually Active Adolescents  Sexual activity during adolescence (age 16 or later) Is not associated with psychological disturbance Levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction are similar to other adolescents ’  However, early sexual activity (before age 16) has negative correlates like: Experimentation with drugs and alcohol Lower levels of religious involvement Higher tolerance of deviant behavior Lower interest in academic achievement Higher orientation toward independence

11 What Influences Sexual Activity?  Hormones are especially important for boys  Testosterone surge sparks initial interest in sex for boys and girls (girls are also influenced by estrogens)  Boys who are more popular with girls and mature earlier tend to initiate sex earlier than unpopular boys  Biological factors have a very strong influence on boys ’ sexual behavior  Context is especially important for girls  The most important predictor of girls ’ involvement in sexual intercourse is whether their friends are doing it or have sexually permissive attitudes

12 Parental Influences on Sexual Activity  Authoritative parenting is associated with adolescents who are  Less likely to become sexually active at an early age  Less likely to engage in risky sexual activity  Parent-adolescent communication about sex  Stops them from engaging in risky sexual behaviors, but does little to prevent them from being sexually active in general

13 Peer Influences on Sexual Behavior  Having sexually active peers establishes a normative standard that having sex is okay  Peers also can communicate directly about sex, with friends or with potential partners  Risk factors for sexual activity are cumulative

The Sexually Active Adolescent Gender Differences in the Meaning of Sex  Boys are likely to keep matters of sex and intimacy separate  Early sexual experiences of males  Has already experienced orgasm through masturbation  More likely to interpret intercourse in terms of recreation than intimacy

The Sexually Active Adolescent Gender Differences in the Meaning of Sex  Girls integration of sexual activity  into an existing capacity for intimacy and emotional involvement  Girls’ view is that sex is combined with romance, love, friendship, and intimacy

Fact check… Which of the following was NOT listed as being associated with Autoerotic behavior? A. Erotic fantasies B. Heavy petting with partner C. Sexual behavior experienced alone D. Nocturnal emissions

Homosexuality during Adolescence  About 4% of adolescents identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (~ 8% in adulthood)  Confusion is common about  Sexual orientation – extent to which an individual is oriented toward heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual activity  Sex-role behavior – extent to which an individual behaves in traditionally masculine or feminine ways  Gender identity – which gender an individual believes he/she is

The Sexually Active Adolescent Contraceptive Use  Many adolescents fail to use contraception regularly  Although rates have improved since 1970s, ~40% of high school students did not use a condom the most recent time they had sex  Contraception may not be readily available for all adolescents

HIV & Other STIs  STDs can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that are transmitted through sexual contact  Bacteria – Gonorrhea and Chlamydia  Virus – Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus  Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and interferes with the body’s immune system  Condoms and education are best prevention tools  Programs must focus on the benefits of condom use rather than costs of not using them  Knowledge of risks alone is not sufficient to keep adolescents from risky behaviors

Sexuality Education  4 types of programs currently offered  Comprehensive  Abstinence-based  Abstinence-only  Abstinence-only-until-marriage  Which is in place in Texas schools?  Which is “right”?