CHFD220 | LESSON 2 Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence Sexual Development in Preschool and Early Elementary Years You are the parent of a 4-year-old and have just received a phone call from a parent who has a child the same age. It seems the two children were in the garage “examining” each other. The other parent is furious, accusing your child of initiating the “perversities.” What do you say to the parent? What do you say to your child? It is not uncommon for preschool-aged children to play "doctor" or "house." This "sex play" may involve undressing one another as well as examining one another's genitals. From kindergarten to grade-level 3, children begin to learn about sexuality from other children (Greenberg, Bruess, & Oswalt, 2014). During these elementary school years, child ren show a strong preference for playing with children of the same gender. Additionally, children begin to understand the "golden rule": treat others as you would like to be treated. The media (e.g., television, movies) are among children's most prominent sexuality educators during these early elementary years (Greenberg et al., 2014). Sexual Development During Puberty Puberty is the stage of maturation when a human becomes capable of sexual reproduction. Secondary sexual characteristics begin around age 8 for girls and age 9 for boys. It takes from four to five years after the first physical changes to reach full reproductive potential (Greenberg et al., 2014). Puberty for girls begins with secondary sexual characteristics of breast development, as well as pubic and underarm hair. The average age of first period, or menarche, is 12 1/2. Girls today are experiencing first menstruation at earlier ages than girls growing up three or four decades ago. Puberty for boys also begins with the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as public hair, underarm hair, and development of the penis and scrotum. The ability to ejaculate sperm, or semanarche, usually occurs by Tanner Stage 3 (Greenberg et al., 2014). Age of onset of puberty varies widely for both males and females, which brings up the question, "Am I normal?" With some exceptions of precocious puberty, or very late development, normal is what your body has provided for you. Worries about normalcy also affect the emotional and social development of adolescents. Rapid physical changes initiate many psychosocial changes. Adolescents need to test parental (and teacher) authority, begin to feel peer pressure, and begin to develop a sense of identity. During puberty, boys and girls begin to masturbate for sexual pleasure as well as to relieve sexual tension (Greenberg et al., 2014). http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/talk-about-puberty.html Sexuality in Adolescence Becoming a sexually healthy adult is a key developmental task of adolescence. It is important for parents and educators to approach sexuality Education in a positive way and handle topics as positively as possible. Most professionals agree that age-appropriate and targeted sexuality Education is one of the best preventative means available for reducing risks and enhancing sexual health (Greenberg et al., 2014). MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE The middle adolescent experiences dramatic transformations in physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Physically, the secondary sexual characteristics become fully developed. Psychologically, feelings of omnipotence and invincibility may leave the youth at risk (Greenberg et al., 2014). LATE ADOLESCENCE Late adolescence (females aged 16 and older, males aged 17 and older) sees teenagers moving toward adult roles and responsibilities. Many are able to understand abstract concepts and realize the consequences of their actions. Adolescent development tasks include physical and sexual maturation, independence, conceptual identity, functional identity, cognitive development, and sexual self-concept (Greenberg et al., 2014). Most U.S. adolescents engage in some form of sexual behavior, from kissing to intercourse. Many gay and lesbian adults identify adolescence as a period of confusion about their sexual identity (Greenberg et al., 2014). Sexuality and Aging Sexuality remains an important part of life into old age. Sexuality in older age is multidimensional. Physiological changes, such as onset of menopause for women and declining levels of testosterone for men, are only one aspect of sexuality for the aging. Psychological changes occur across the aging process, including changes in a person's mood (Greenberg et al., 2014). In women, mood changes are often attributed to stress, health problems, menopause, hormone replacement, and other lifestyle changes. In men, changes are often attributed to increased focus on family, role changes, need for affirmation, and irritation and anger about aging (Greenberg et al., 2014). LEARN ABOUT THE TRUTH ABOUT SEX AFTER 50 Biologically, as women age, the vaginal lips do not swell as much during sexual excitement, and vaginal lubrication, as well as the length and width of the vagina, decreases. As men age, the testes become smaller, the scrotal skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and the seminal fluid becomes thinner and less is produced, and sperm becomes less lively (Greenberg et al., 2014). LEARN ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE AGING IN WOMEN Sexuality for the Physically and Mentally Challenged In 2005, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report related to disabilities. More than 54 million Americans are living with at least one disability. Although the biological dimension is a key aspect of a physical or mental disability, psychological and sociocultural dimensions play import roles as well (Greenberg et al., 2014). LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE DISABLED CAN HAVE SEX LIVES Conclusion • Between 2 1/2 and 5 years of age, children begin to ask questions about reproduction, such as "Where did I come from?" • From kindergarten to grade-level 3, children begin to learn about sexuality from other children (Greenberg, Bruess, & Oswalt, 2014). Children begin to understand the "golden rule." The media (e.g., television, movies) are among children's most prominent sexuality educators (Greenberg et al., 2014). • Age of onset of puberty varies widely for both males and females, which brings up the question, "Am I normal?" With some exceptions of precocious puberty, or very late development, normal is what your body has provided for you. (Greenberg et al., 2014). • Becoming a sexually healthy adult is a key developmental task of adolescence. Most professionals agree that age-appropriate and targeted sexuality Education is one of the best preventative means available for reducing risks and enhancing sexual health (Greenberg et al., 2014). • Sexuality remains an important part of life into old age. Sexuality in older age is multidimensional (Greenberg et al., 2014). • More than 54 million Americans are living with at least one disability. Although the biological dimension is a key aspect of a physical or mental disability, psychological and sociocultural dimensions play import roles as well (Greenberg et al., 2014). Bibliography Greenberg, J. S., Bruess, C. E., & Oswalt, S. B. (2014). Exploring the dimensions of human sexuality (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning..
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