Risky Sexual Behaviour in Adolescence

Early adolescence is a stage at which the peer group becomes increasingly important, with conformity to peers, peaking at 11-13 years (Costanzo and Shaw 1966). 90% of adolescents identify themselves with a peer group.According to Judith Rich Harris’s theory of group socialization, children and adolescents are shaped more by their peers than their parents. Peers can encourage both pro-social behaviour, which peaks at 11-12 years, or antisocial behaviour, which peaks at 14-15 years, explains Windhoek-based psychologist Charine Glen-Spyron. Adolescents are less likely to feel depressed or anxious if the peer group provides emotional support (Buhrmester, 1992).Searching for a unique identity is one of the problems that adolescents often face. At this age, role models such as sports players, rock stars and movie and television performers are very popular, and adolescents often express a desire to be like their chosen role model. In the search of this identity, confusion can step in and adolescents may be prone to recklessness andrisk-taking behaviours, such as substance abuse, car accidents, crime and unsafe or risky sexual behaviour.Defining Risky Sexual BehavioursIf we can put morality and religion aside, one good medical reason why this issue is important is that risky sexual behaviours increase the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).The most widely used definition is according to the behaviour itself, while the second refers to the nature of the partner. Factors influencing sexual behaviour in childrenSocialization is the process through which an individual acquires an understanding of ideas, beliefs and values, shared cultural symbols, meanings and codes of conduct. Sexual socialization of babies and children begins at home, where parents have the opportunity to emphasize their most deeply held values (whether or not these are shared by mainstream society). (Shtarkshall, R, Santelli, J, & Hirsch, J, 2007)From a very young age, children are exposed to messages about modesty, nudity and privacy, including gender-specific messages about proper conduct.As part of normal development, adolescents form new peerrelationships and become increasingly interested in romantic and potentially intimate sexual partners. In addition, adolescents crave privacy in a variety of realms, including matters related to their bodies and their relationships with peers. Consequently, parents often are the last persons an adolescent will consult for information about new physical and social realities; rather, peers,educators and other adults may become important new data sources and confidants. (Shtarkshall, R, Santelli, J, & Hirsch, J, 2007)Adolescents, who describe their relationship with at least one parent as warm and supportive, compared with those who do not describe their relationships this way, are more likely to delay the initiation of sexual activity and less likely to engage in frequent sexual intercourse. Connectedness to family (as well asto school) is another important factor in reducing adolescent sexual risk taking (Wight D and Abraham C, 2000). When parents disapprove of adolescent sexual activity, adolescents are less likely to be sexually active and, if they are sexually active, tend to have fewer sex partners (Luster, T & Small, S, 1994).A majority of parents do not communicate with their kids about sex, and when they do it is usually not enough. Poor parent-child communication only hinders the child's ability to understand sexual matters. When parents do communicate well, the results can be profound, and in families where effective communication occurs, research shows children are less likely to experienceintercourse, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease (Fred Kaeser, 2003).Sexual socialization also takes place outside the home as children and adolescents observe community norms, consume mass media, and participate in cultural and religious activities. This sexual socialization includes learning about religious values, which may include views of sexuality as a divine gift and sex as limited to marriage (Shtarkshall, R, Santelli, J, & Hirsch, J, 2007). When children are exposed to excessive amounts of sexual stimuli, particularly at early ages when it can be confusing and incomprehensible, there is the potential for negative behaviours to follow.Apart from normal socialization and social learning, another factor that affect the sexuality of children include sexual abuse. Numerous studies indicate that mental health diagnoses, including ADHD, ODD, Conduct disorder, Personality disorders and Depression, increased the probability of risky sexual behavior. Prevention and management of risky behaviourParents, educators and healthcare practitioners have essential roles in fostering sexual literacy and sexual health. Parents should play the primary role in imparting to their children social, cultural and religious values regarding intimate and sexual relationships, whereas health and education professionals should play the primary role in providing information about sexuality anddeveloping related social skills. Schools and health professionals should acknowledge and support the critical role of parents in sexual socialization. charine@belesprit.biz; www.belesprit.biz

Risky Sexual Behaviour in Adolescence

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