1. Adolescence A sensitive ten years in our sexual development

2. Transformation Sexual behaviors increase in intensity and frequency Sexual behaviors increase in intensity and frequency Sexual expression assumes great importance Sexual expression assumes great importance Important developments occur in a variety of areas Important developments occur in a variety of areas

3. The Sexual Double Standard Different expectations for boys and girls Different expectations for boys and girls Women are held to a much higher standard Women are held to a much higher standard 80’s meta-studies confirm continuing vitality 80’s meta-studies confirm continuing vitality But most recent evidence shows that the gap is narrowing But most recent evidence shows that the gap is narrowing

4. Double Standard Ramifications Since men are viewed as conquerors, ingressive males occasionally receive the dreaded sissy label Since men are viewed as conquerors, ingressive males occasionally receive the dreaded sissy label On the other hand, some males get a big charge from bragging about sexual encounters On the other hand, some males get a big charge from bragging about sexual encounters But for women, looking sexy is desirable, but engaging in relations is a dilemma – lose the guy or be labeled easy But for women, looking sexy is desirable, but engaging in relations is a dilemma – lose the guy or be labeled easy

5. Masturbation Although many are virgins, few 19 year olds have not masturbated Although many are virgins, few 19 year olds have not masturbated Boys engage more frequently, but by their 20’s, 75% of females have given it a try Boys engage more frequently, but by their 20’s, 75% of females have given it a try Masturbation has many benefits – gaining self-knowledge, sexual release, etc. Masturbation has many benefits – gaining self-knowledge, sexual release, etc.

6. Noncoital Sex Erotic behavior which stops just short Erotic behavior which stops just short In particular, rates of oral sex have increased dramatically In particular, rates of oral sex have increased dramatically Widely accepted and practiced Widely accepted and practiced Considered less risky, but dangers remain Considered less risky, but dangers remain But are you still a virgin? Does it really matter? But are you still a virgin? Does it really matter?

7. Relationships Most sexual encounters take place in ongoing relationships Most sexual encounters take place in ongoing relationships Change from the Kinsey era Change from the Kinsey era Numbers in relationships double from early to mid-adolescence, up to 70%+ Numbers in relationships double from early to mid-adolescence, up to 70%+ Even young women feel little need to “save themselves” Even young women feel little need to “save themselves” But nonchalant “hook-ups” are common But nonchalant “hook-ups” are common

8. Intercourse The problem with premarital sex The problem with premarital sex Oral sex doesn’t count? Oral sex doesn’t count? Can the status ever be escaped without marriage? Can the status ever be escaped without marriage?

9. Rates Studies show a big increase in incidence from the 50’s to 70’s Studies show a big increase in incidence from the 50’s to 70’s Now the trend has slowed, maybe reversed Now the trend has slowed, maybe reversed But first encounters have earlier But first encounters have earlier Poverty, not race or ethnicity, is the most important factor Poverty, not race or ethnicity, is the most important factor Health risks follow: STDs, pregnancy,... Health risks follow: STDs, pregnancy,...

10. Why not wait? Curiosity Curiosity Rising hormonal levels – testosterone Rising hormonal levels – testosterone Feeling ready Feeling ready # 1 answer – affection for partner # 1 answer – affection for partner

11. Why do some wait? Strong religious beliefs Strong religious beliefs Fear of maternal disapproval Fear of maternal disapproval Late onset of puberty Late onset of puberty High-quality parent-child relationships High-quality parent-child relationships Good grades Good grades High intelligence High intelligence

12. Why can’t others? Poverty Poverty Family disruptions Family disruptions Substance abuse Substance abuse Lack of parental supervision Lack of parental supervision Poor academic performance Poor academic performance Hopelessness Hopelessness

13. The risks of adolescent sexuality Unwanted pregnancy – at least it is recognized, but often ignored Unwanted pregnancy – at least it is recognized, but often ignored STDs – overlooked in contrast to pregnancy fears STDs – overlooked in contrast to pregnancy fears Emotional upheaval – sure times have changed, but someone usually gets hurt Emotional upheaval – sure times have changed, but someone usually gets hurt