As adolescents navigate their sexuality, they may also begin to question their sexual identity and gender identity. Show
Some adolescents struggle with sexual identity. They may be unsure of what they are feeling, but it is common for adolescents to be attracted to or have sexual thoughts about people of the same sex and people of the opposite sex. However, many adolescents who explore homosexual or bisexual relationships ultimately do not continue to be interested in same-sex relationships, whereas others never develop interest in opposite-sex relationships. Homosexuality Overview of Sexuality Sexuality is the way in which people experience and express the instincts and feelings that make up physical attraction for others. It is a normal part of human experience and is determined... read more , bisexuality, and asexuality are normal variations of human sexuality and are not disorders. Although it is not understood exactly why homosexual or bisexual feelings develop, experts do not think sexual or gender identities are something adolescents learn from their peers or the media or something they choose the same way they select an after-school activity or a career path. Adolescents who have a strong sense of their homosexual or bisexual identity may “come out” to their close friends or family members.
Few elements of the human experience combine physical, intellectual, and emotional aspects as thoroughly as sexuality and all the feelings that go along with it. Helping adolescents put sexuality and gender identity into a healthy context is extremely important. Parents should share their values and expectations openly with their adolescents but be receptive and supportive as their child’s sexual and gender identities develop.
Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Children who are entering adolescence are going through many changes. This article offers advice for adolescents and parents to negotiate these changes.
Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Children who are entering adolescence are going through many changes (physical, intellectual, personality and social developmental). Adolescence begins at puberty, which now occurs earlier, on average, than in the past. The end of adolescence is tied to social and emotional factors and can be somewhat ambiguous. What are the physical changes of adolescence?There are three main physical changes that come with adolescence:
What are the intellectual changes of adolescence?Adolescent thinking is on a higher level than that of children. Children are only able to think logically about the concrete, the here and now. Adolescents move beyond these limits and can think in terms of what might be true, rather than just what they see is true. They are able to deal with abstractions, test hypotheses and see infinite possibilities. Yet adolescents still often display egocentric behaviors and attitudes. What are the social and emotional changes of adolescence?Adolescents are also developing socially and emotionally during this time. The most important task of adolescence is the search for identity. (This is often a lifelong voyage, launched in adolescence.) Along with the search for identity comes the struggle for independence. How can parents support healthy adolescent development?While adolescence can be a trying period for both youth and their parents, the home does not have to become a battleground if both parents and young people make special efforts to understand one another. The following guidelines may help parents:
What can adolescents do during this time?
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/11/2018. References
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