Top 6 DQ’s
Discuss the special issues that a counselor needs to be aware of regarding childhood and adolescent sexual development. Why is it important to understand these issues? 275 words, 1 reference
Discuss the special issues that a counselor needs to be aware of regarding adult sexual development. Why is it important to understand these issues? 275 words, 1 reference
Human Sexuality: Top 6 DQs
Discuss the special issues that a counselor needs to be aware of regarding childhood and adolescent sexual development. Why is it important to understand these issues?
Children are very curious about their bodies. In childhood sexual development, children tend to touch their genitals or may even attempt to touch other children’s genitals as they try to explore their bodies. Same gender and male-female exploration are also common although they do not determine the children’s sexual orientation when they become adults. Infants and small children may also have reflexes or respond to stimulation in a manner that adults may consider sexual (Kar et al., 2015). Counselors must have a full understanding of sexual development issues during childhood and educate parents on what to expect and that actions children engage in that may be considered sexual are normal and the children should not be punished.
The adolescence stage is associated with physical and cognitive sexual development. Physical development includes body changes that differ based on gender. For girls, these changes include breast enlargement, pubic hair development, and menarche. For boys, sexual development includes facial and body hair, deep voice, bigger muscles, growth of testes, scrotum, penis, and sperm production. Cognitive changes for both boys and girls include changes in perceptions and thoughts about sex. Generally, teenagers experience an increased desire to engage in sexual activity and if they are not well guided, issues such as unsafe sex and teenage pregnancy may arise (Kar et al., 2015). Counselors must understand adolescent sexual development issues to provide teenagers with sex education that will ensure that they know more about their bodies and the importance of engaging in safe sex. Counselors can also work with parents to ensure that they create a safe space for their children to explore and understand their sexual development without engaging in risky behavior.
References
Kar, S. K., Choudhury, A., & Singh, A. P. (2015). Understanding normal development of adolescent sexuality: A bumpy ride. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 8(2), 70. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-1208.158594
Discuss the special issues that a counselor needs to be aware of regarding adult sexual development. Why is it important to understand these issues?
Adult sexual development is characterized by entering intimate sexual relationships, developing a better understanding of personal sexual orientation, and experiencing intense sexuality. Most adults also understand that sexuality is linked to a commitment that may lead to marriage hence they may begin planning for the future with their partners. Sexuality in adulthood is rarely influenced by peers and adults tend to have better intimacy skills in comparison to adolescents. The body image of most adults tends to be established with time and they are more accepting of their bodies when compared to teenagers. Issues that may arise in adult sexual development include whether to use contraceptives and which type of contraceptives are effective and safe, the most appropriate age for having children, and how to successfully maintain long-term romantic relationships. Additionally, adults may be concerned about sexual changes that may occur as they get older and the possibility of developing sexual disorders such as difficulty getting aroused during sexual activity, lack of desire, and absence or delayed orgasm. Adults may also be concerned about their ability to sexually satisfy their partners (McKee et al., 2010).
Counselors should understand the special issues in adult sexual development to be able to educate adults on what to expect in relationships. Additionally, counselors can provide services to adults experiencing relationship issues. For instance, counselors can help adults learn how to communicate effectively with their partners, especially about their sexual expectations and preferred contraceptives. Moreover, counselors also work with those experiencing sex disorders and may attempt to establish the cause of these disorders and appropriate treatment. Generally, counselors can help adults enjoy their sexual lives without engaging in risky behaviors (McKee et al., 2010).
References
McKee, A., Albury, K., Dunne, M., Grieshaber, S., Hartley, J., Lumby, C., & Mathews, B. (2010). Healthy Sexual Development: A multidisciplinary framework for Research. International Journal of Sexual Health, 22(1), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317610903393043