Chapter 121: Adolescent Sexuality
Unab I. Khan, MD, Chanelle A. Coble-Sadaphal, MD, Susan M. Coupey, MD, 2016. "Adolescent Sexuality", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Adolescent sexuality and sexual behavior are best viewed within the context of overall adolescent development. Sexuality is a multidimensional construct and includes ethical, psychological, biologic, functional, and cultural dimensions. The overt expression of sexuality depends on the biopsychosocial environment in which the individual exists.1 Biologic changes at puberty prime the adolescent brain and body for reproduction, and individual and family psychodynamics influence sexual behavior. The larger sociocultural environment sets the norms for sexual behaviors and controls them through its institutions, including religious organizations, schools, government, and the media. As adolescents experiment with sexual expression, they inevitably make errors of...