Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 12–19 | Psychology

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Study GuideDevelopmental Psychology–PsychosocialDevelopment: Age 12–191. Sexual Identity and Orientation: Ages 12–19Part of growing up as a teen is figuring out yoursexual identity and orientation. This involvesunderstanding who you are attracted to—emotionally, romantically, sexually, and affectionately.1.1 Understanding Sexual OrientationSexual orientation can take different forms:•Heterosexual: attracted to people of theopposite sex•Homosexual: attracted to people of thesame sexoOften calledgayfor males andlesbianfor females•Bisexual: attracted toboth sexesEveryone’s experience is unique, and figuring this out is a normal part of adolescence.1.2 Sexual Orientation as a SpectrumIn the 1940s and 1950s, researcherAlfred Kinseydiscovered that sexual orientation isn’t just“heterosexual” or “homosexual.” Instead, it exists on acontinuum, meaning people can experiencevarying degrees of attraction to the same sex, opposite sex, or both. Many people may feel someattraction to the same sex without acting on it. Kinsey’s research helped medical science recognizeheterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality as related but distinct orientations.1.3 Why People Have Different Sexual OrientationsScientists are still exploring why people have different sexual orientations. Current theories fall intothree main categories: biological, psychological/social, and interactional.

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Study Guide1. Biological TheoriesSome researchers think sexual orientation might be influenced by biology. Possible factors include:•Hormone levels before birth (like testosterone)•Prenatal biological influences, including maternal stress•Differences in brain structures•Genetic influencesSo far, no single biological cause has been proven.2. Psychological and Social TheoriesEarly experiences and social learning may also play a role. Some theories suggest:•Early childhood experiences could influence attraction•Freudian ideas: troubled family relationships or certain parent-child dynamics might contribute(though these ideas can’t explain all cases)•Social learning: early cross-gender behaviors or strong same-gender friendships duringadolescence may shape sexual preferences3. Interactional TheoriesTheinteractional approachcombines biological, psychological, and social factors. For example:•Prenatal hormones may create a biological predisposition•Early childhood experiences and social learning either strengthen or weaken thatpredispositionIn other words, sexual orientation is likely influenced bya mix of factors working together, not asingle cause.2. Sexuality: Ages 12–19Adolescence is a time when teens begin to explore their sexual feelings and desires. Learning how toexpress sexuality safely and responsibly is a major part of growing up.

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Study Guide2.1 Sexual Activity in AdolescenceTeenagers often experience sexual feelings similar to adults, but they usuallylack the maturitytomaintain long-term, committed relationships. Sometimes, teens may believe they are “in love” andstay with one partner for a while, but emotional readiness for intimacy often isn’t fully developed.Some teens may engage inpromiscuous behavior, which can reflect emotional issues such as:•Low self-esteem•Dependence on others•Immaturity or insecurity•Deep-seated anger or hostility2.2 How Teens Express SexualityTeens find different ways to relieve sexual tension and explore their sexuality:1.Masturbation–Most teens engage in self-stimulation by age 17 (about 90% of males, 60%of females). This is normal and erotically motivated.2.Mutual Petting–Sexual activity with another person, excluding intercourse. Petting can be:oLight: above the waistoHeavy: below the waist3.Intercourse–Sex mechanics are the same as adults, but theemotional intimacy andcommitmentare often missing.According to U.S. statistics, theaverage age of first sexual intercourse is 16–17, though manyteens may not consistently use contraception or protection against sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), even in the era of HIV/AIDS.2.3 Homosexual and Bisexual ExplorationAbout5% of teens experiment with same-sex sexual activity. Most of these experiences are partof exploration and do not necessarily indicate a lifelong sexual orientation.•Teens may be hesitant to reveal their sexual orientation due tofear of negative reactionsfrom peers or society.

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