Sexuality in Early and Middle Childhood
Key points: Children often explore their bodies; this behavior is developmentally normal.
- Davies et al. (2000): Children may engage in genital showing or peer touching without ill intent.
- Encouraging open, shame-free communication helps normalize development.
Puberty and Adolescence
Key Hormone: Testosterone (in both sexes) predicts partnered sexual behavior.
- Dorn (2007): Early puberty linked to increased STI/pregnancy risk.
- Halpern et al. (1997): Hormone levels predict partnered activity more than peer influence.
Young Adulthood & Cohabitation
Most young adults have 0–1 sexual partners per year. Cohabitation is increasingly common.
- Kroeger & Smock (2014): Parental divorce increases cohabitation likelihood.
- Woods & Emery (2002): Recent studies show no divorce penalty from cohabitation.
Divorce Trends & Risk
- 50% of marriages end in divorce (Hurley, 2005).
- Amato (2010): Divorce linked to lowered well-being, children’s early sex activity, and academic disruption.
Sexuality in Older Adults
- AARP (2010): Regular sexual activity linked to greater satisfaction.
- Common changes: menopause, andropause, lower hormone levels.
- Dr. Britney Wardecker (Penn State): Researches LGBTQ+ aging sexuality.
