Becoming+Comfortable+with+One's+Sexuality

Becoming comfortable with one’s sexuality during adolescence in a socio-emotional sense is two-fold. The first part is being able to identify what a healthy sexual encounter is, and whether or not one is comfortable engaging in such behaviors. The second part is identifying one’s sexual orientation.

From the ages of 12-15 youth may start engaging in sexual encounters. In many cases youth are self-conscious and uncertain of their new “adult” bodies, this may lead to modesty for many and hesitancy to undress in front of others. Most sexual encounters during this age will be purely out of curiosity and exploration of their new bodies. (Oswalt) Female adolescents ages 16-18 will begin to contemplate the morals behind having sex, while their male counterparts are less likely to be concerned with this fact. Females will be concerned with their social reputation and how being labeled as sexually promiscuous will affect them socially. (Oswalt)

Adolescents ages 19-22 will begin thinking about sexual encounters at a more emotional level. They will begin to have interest in sexual encounters only with those who they are emotionally attached and committed to in monogamous relationships. Some adolescents at this age may still be emotionally immature and take interest in only casual sexual encounters. (Oswalt)

Emotionally romantic relationships can be fulfilling, and bring an adolescent much happiness. On the negative side, romantic relationships can be emotionally traumatic at times for adolescents. Adolescents experience feelings of jealousy, anger, longing and grief along with their romances. These emotions are amplified by rampant hormones of puberty. (Larsen, Clore and Wood)

Sexual attraction is a psycho-emotional experience that is individual and separate for each adolescent. It may take many years during adolescence for a young person to determine and become comfortable with their sexual orientation. It is not a choice, but it is a journey of self discovery. It is important to allow adolescents time to explore what their true feelings and attractions are and what makes them truly happy. (Oswalt)

It is important for us as teachers to remain open-minded when it comes to sexual orientation of our students. Although some may personally not agree with certain sexual orientations, it is not our place as teachers to tell students what is right or wrong in their sexual lives. It is also important for us as teachers to understand that students’ emotions can be greatly affected by the process of becoming comfortable with their own sexuality.

[] (Oswalt) [] (Larsen, Clore and Wood)

Also, I might use this trailer as most of my presentation. It does a good job of summing up a lot of what I wrote about above. []

Other video resources: []