Topic 6 DQ 1 (6.1) Assessment Description Discuss the special issues that a counselor needs to be aware of regarding childhood and adolescent sexual development. Why is it important to understand these issues? TEXTBOOKS Lehmiller, J., Whitbourne, Stacey B., & Whitbourne, Susan K. (2020). Human Sexuality and Issues in Aging for Grand Canyon University (Custom). Wiley ISBN-9781119828099 – Custom. (Available as a custom ebook-includes only Chapters 1, 2 , 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 13, 14, and 15 from Lehmiller, J. (2017). The Psychology of Human Sexuality (2nd ed.). ISBN- 9781119164739; Chapters 1, 2, 5, 11, 12, and 13 from Whitbourne, Stacey B., & Whitbourne, Susan K. (2020). Adult Development and Aging, (7th ed.). ISBN ISBN 9781119607878) Alissa Collins Posted Date Nov 13, 2021, 4:32 PM Unread The special issues that a counselor should be aware of when counseling children and adolescents primarily concern "normal" sexual development, specifically as it relates to masturbation, peer sexual interactions, sexual debut, and homo and bisexual behaviors. (Lehmiller et al., 2020). Understanding that current research often contradicts older studies that condemn early masturbation, childhood peer sexual interactions, early sexual debut, and homosexual experimentation can help counselors provide feedback to parents and adolescent clients to promote healthy sexual conversations and healthy sexual attitudes. How parents and other adults interact with children regarding their sexual development can impact future sexual health, which should motivate counselors to keep caught up with the latest research to provide the most current information to parents and adolescent clients. When clients or families come to counseling looking for help with developmental issues, counselors can provide good direction and counsel which can decrease fear and harsh judgment. Julie Lunde Posted Date Nov 13, 2021, 2:37 PM Unread I think it’s important for a counselor to have a basic understanding of childhood and adolescent sexual development, but I think the points that are important to be aware of pertain to why the adolescent or child is in counseling. Some points that stood out to me include that curiosity surrounding sex and exploration through self-stimulation often occurs at a very early age (Lehmiller, et al., 2020). Additionally, children may engage in exploration with their peers during childhood. While these are relatively normal, and not unusual markers of sexual development, parents are often reluctant to engage in meaningful discussions about sexuality – leading children to seek out information via the internet or other people (Lehmiller, et al., 2020). I think it’s important to understand what the parent of the child or adolescent’s views are surrounding sexuality, or rather what effect these views have had on the child. When a child enters puberty and/or adolescence, they experience a rush of hormones and bodily changes; this likely is accompanied by their first feelings of sexual attraction, their first romantic relationship, and possibly their first sexual experience (Lehmiller, et al., 2020). Additionally, the process of sexual identity may start during this time frame, although this process of discovery may extend into adulthood (Lehmiller, et al., 2020). Overall, I think it’s important for counselors to understand that childhood and adolescence is a time of exploration and discovery. I think it’s important to have knowledge on the varying stages and potential experiences, and to also be mindful that parental or family views may have an impact on the child’s views as well. Counselors can approach their adolescent and child patients with knowledge and non-judgement throughout this period of development. Jordyn Moody Posted Date Nov 12, 2021, 4:56 PM Unread The word adolescent is derived from the Latin word "adolescere," which means "to grow up" (Kar et al., 2015). There are a lot of changes during this period and the thoughts, emotions, and body change with an air of sexuality. Since the mind, body, and spirit are changing so much, the person can be under a lot of stress which can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. A child is born with no understanding of gender but quickly learns in early childhood (Kar et al., 2015). Males are taught to be more rough and tough while females are shown how to play more daintily. The gender roles for each person will continue to grow and change throughout their entire life. When a child gets a bit older, they will go through puberty. A counselor working with this age group, or parents of this age group, should be aware of the changes that occur here. Concerns about body image begin in early childhood, followed by an increased ability to think abstractly, then develop an emotional identity (Kar et al., 2015). Emotional identity is coupled with the increase of peer group impact and sexual interest. Middle adolescence is where risk-taking begins, and by late adolescence, they should have learned to control this more (Kar et al., 2015). Counselors should be aware of what changes occur at what stage to familiarize themselves with the physical changes or hormonal increases. I remember being a kid going through puberty, and I just felt like I could feel every feeling all the time, and things were changing so fast. Counselors should be aware that kids may feel lost or scared of the changes and help them deal with what should naturally be occurring. Counselors should also familiarize themselves with the child's parent's attitudes regarding sex, friends, and growing up. This can explain some fears or behaviors that may be occurring.