Sexuality in Adolescent Relationships

A normative aspect of the adolescent period is sexual exploration and associated decision making regarding how “far to go” sexually. Transitioning from being a virgin to a sexually active teen is meaningful in terms of both personal and social identity. Teenagers may view sex with a boyfriend or girlfriend as a step toward greater commitment and intimacy in their relationship. It also represents a developmental marker toward adulthood and sets the groundwork for later adult sexual relationships. At the same time, teenage sexual intercourse is a public issue in part because of health concerns stemming from sexually transmitted infections, involuntary sex, and teenage pregnancy.

Sexuality is a broad concept and can refer to many types of sexual behaviors, attitudes, and desires, not just sexual intercourse. Recently, researchers have paid more attention to sexual activities besides sexual intercourse, such as oral sex. Oral sex among adolescents is of interest because of sexual health risks associated with oral sex and the notion that oral sex is a way to satisfy sexual desires and maintain virginity and avoid pregnancy. There is a sense that oral sex is the precursor to sexual intercourse. Although it is important to consider a full range of sexual behaviors (e.g., masturbation, genital stimulation, anal sex, oral sex), this entry focuses on sexual intercourse. This approach could result in excluding sexual minority youth, so they are showcased later in the entry.