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Faizan
People begin to develop their self-identities during their teen years. A big part of self is sexual identity. The Northern Illinois University website explains that the process of determining sexual identity during the teen years involves the regulation of sexual arousal, sexual feelings, undesirable sexual behaviors and sexual attraction to members of the same or opposite sex. All things considered, sexual orientation will ultimately come to define the teen’s sexual identity.
Sexual Orientation
As a teen begins to discover her sexual identity, she begins to become comfortable with the changes that happen to her body. She also begins to make her own choices about engaging, or not engaging, in sexual intimacy. It is during this part of the search for sexual identity that she may begin to question her sexual orientation. According to PBS, teens begin to determine their sexual orientation -- heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual -- during this time.
Exploration
Exploration is a normal part of a teen’s search for his sexual identity. This time of experimentation may involve members of the opposite sex as well as members of the same sex. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website, this experimentation can sometimes cause anxiety; especially if it is with members of the same sex. However, it is important for a teen to realize that experimenting with the same sex during the search for sexual identity does not mean that he is homosexual or bisexual.
Identity and Orientation Mismatch
Sometimes a teen’s sexual orientation in not in sync with the sexual identity that she portrays. As the Palo Alto Medical Foundation website explains, a person may feel as if she has a homosexual orientation, yet choose to express a heterosexual identity to those in the world around her. In many scenarios, fear, anxiety or both influence this denial of sexual orientation. This is because heterosexual orientation is viewed as the norm. A teen who does not fit this profile may feel as if she is abnormal and prefer to hide her sexual orientation.
Parental Support
Parental support is critical during the teen years; especially during the time that a teen is developing his sexual identity. Bullying and isolation are a reality for some teens and the PBS website explains that parental rejection in regard to teen sexual identity can further complicate the situation, leading to depression, anxiety, risky behaviors, self-esteem issues, homelessness and even suicidal thoughts. In contrast, parents who show unwavering support regardless of their teen’s sexual identity promote a more positive self-image.
Sexual Orientation
As a teen begins to discover her sexual identity, she begins to become comfortable with the changes that happen to her body. She also begins to make her own choices about engaging, or not engaging, in sexual intimacy. It is during this part of the search for sexual identity that she may begin to question her sexual orientation. According to PBS, teens begin to determine their sexual orientation -- heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual -- during this time.
Exploration
Exploration is a normal part of a teen’s search for his sexual identity. This time of experimentation may involve members of the opposite sex as well as members of the same sex. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website, this experimentation can sometimes cause anxiety; especially if it is with members of the same sex. However, it is important for a teen to realize that experimenting with the same sex during the search for sexual identity does not mean that he is homosexual or bisexual.
Identity and Orientation Mismatch
Sometimes a teen’s sexual orientation in not in sync with the sexual identity that she portrays. As the Palo Alto Medical Foundation website explains, a person may feel as if she has a homosexual orientation, yet choose to express a heterosexual identity to those in the world around her. In many scenarios, fear, anxiety or both influence this denial of sexual orientation. This is because heterosexual orientation is viewed as the norm. A teen who does not fit this profile may feel as if she is abnormal and prefer to hide her sexual orientation.
Parental Support
Parental support is critical during the teen years; especially during the time that a teen is developing his sexual identity. Bullying and isolation are a reality for some teens and the PBS website explains that parental rejection in regard to teen sexual identity can further complicate the situation, leading to depression, anxiety, risky behaviors, self-esteem issues, homelessness and even suicidal thoughts. In contrast, parents who show unwavering support regardless of their teen’s sexual identity promote a more positive self-image.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
