The Development of Sexuality

Lisa M. Diamond, Susan B. Bonner, Janna Dickenson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Our primary focus in this chapter is on child and adolescent sexual feelings and behaviors, including developmental changes in sexual desire and motivation, participation in partnered and unpartnered sexual behavior, prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and sexual coercion. We also review the unique experiences of young people with same-sex attractions and behavior, as well as with atypical gender expression (i.e., transgender youth). This discussion is consolidated in a single section at the end of the chapter, rather than woven throughout the chapter, to reflect the fact that the vast majority of empirical research on adolescent sexuality has been based on exclusively heterosexual samples (or at least, those presumed to be heterosexual). Hence, by dividing the chapter in this way, we hope to remind readers that the findings of research on heterosexual youth may not generalize to youths with same-sex attractions and behaviors, or to transgender youths. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Child Psychology and Developmental Science
Pages888-931
Number of pages44
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Publication series

NameHandbook of Child Psychology and Developmental Science
Volume3

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