Curiosity
The first part of adolescent sexual development involves curiosity. Starting at around age 12 and lasting until around age 14, this is a time when adolescents first show interest in sex. They are trying to figure out what sex is all about.
For example, when Lainey was 13, she and some of her girlfriends had a sleepover. They spent most of the night talking about what sex was and what some of the older girls did with their boyfriends. Lainey had lots of questions, like, 'What did it feel like?' and 'How did it happen?'
Many teens in the curiosity phase look at images to satisfy their curiosity. For example, Lainey used to stare at the illustrations in her health textbook, which showed the anatomy of men and women and also showed what intercourse consisted of.
Jack, meanwhile, spent a lot of time as an early adolescent looking at his father's Playboy magazines. He, too, was curious and trying to figure out what sex was all about.
As early adolescents' curiosity grows, they often start the process of sexual experimentation. This process usually begins with masturbation and fantasies of sexual contact. For some, experimentation might progress to some sort of physical contact. Though, in the experimentation phase, physical contact does not have to be overtly sexual.
For example, as she began experimenting with her sexuality, Lainey and some of her friends started hugging and horsing around with boys in their class. Some of the boys liked to tickle Lainey and other girls, too, which are all precursors to sexual contact that are part of the experimentation phase of adolescent sexual development.
Romance
As teens move from early adolescence into mid- and late adolescence, many of them begin to shift their sexual focus from curiosity and experimentation into the romance phase of sexual development. During this phase, establishing relationships with a significant other becomes the focus.
For example, now that she's 15, Lainey is in a relationship with Jack. Her sexual feelings are being channeled into that relationship, and they are kissing and making out within the bounds of their relationship.
The relationships in the romance phase of sexual development can be volatile and short-lived or more long-term. For example, Lainey and Jack have been together for several months now, and they get along well. But Lainey's best friend has been in several relationships during the time that Lainey has been with Jack.
During the romance phase of sexual development, girls begin to think about the consequences of sexual intercourse. They often research contraception and sexually transmitted infections. In contrast, boys do not think about the consequences as much as girls do.
Lesson Summary
Adolescents in puberty develop sexually. They start with curiosity about sex and sexuality and move into experimentation with oneself and others. Finally, older adolescents move into the romance phase of sexual development, which involves being in relationships and moving towards or engaging in sexual contact with others.
Learning Outcomes
When this lesson ends, you should be able to:
- Identify the years in early adolescence when young people develop sexually
- Recognize the differences between boys and girls as they develop
- Understand how curiosity and romance change the way young people see sex
