Sexting in adolescent girls: A new way of self-expression? A scoping review.

The Impact of Sociosexualization and Sexual Identity Development on the Sexual Well-Being of Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System

Gender and sexual identity play a significant role in the lives of developing youth. The developments of gender and sexual identities are shaped by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, biological, cognitive, and social elements. It is crucial to consider that gender and sexual minority individuals face additional complexities in the two processes of gender identity and sexual identity development. Cisgender identity development is most commonly understood with the help of early cognitive and social theories, although biological components play a part as well. Specifically, the theories of Lawrence Kohlberg, Sandra Bem, Alfred Bandura, and David Buss have made significant contributions to the understanding of cisgender identity development. Modern transgender identity development models are helpful in exploring transgender identity formation with the most popular being the Transgender Emergence Model founded by Arlene Lev. Similar to cisgender identity development, heterosexual identity development is typically understood with the help of early psychosocial theories, namely that of Erik Erikson. Sexual minority identity development is often comprehended using stage models and life-span models. Sexual minority stage models build off the work of Erik Erikson, with one of the most popular being the Cass Model of Gay and Lesbian Identity Development. Offering more flexibility than stage models and allowing for fluid sexual identity, life-span models, like the D’Augelli model, are often more popular choices for modern exploration of sexual minority identity development. As both sexual and gender identity spectrums are continuing to expand, there also comes a need for an exploration of the relationship between sexual and gender identity development, particularly among sexual minority populations.

Impacts of parental attitude towards sexual identity development on child's sexual identity development

In our study, we aimed to examine the sexual development and self-perceptions of typically developing children (TDC) and children with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) in the context of mothers' perspectives on sexual identity development. In this study, which was designed according to the survey model, 92 TDC and 81 MID children and their mothers were included in the study group, selected by purposive sampling method. While the mothers completed the Personal Information Form and the Parent Attitude Scale, the researchers applied the Demoulin Self-Perception Scale for Children and the Selçuk Sexual Development Scale. The findings showed that the self-perception and sexual development levels of MID children were significantly different from TDC and there was a positive relationship between sexual development and self-perception. In addition, it was found that mothers' attitudes towards sexual identity development did not show a significant trend. However, gender behavior, sexual identity, and attitudes together accounted for approximately 59% of the variance in children's self-perception. The findings were discussed in the context of the existing literature, emphasizing the need to support children's development regardless of special needs (SN) conditions.

Sexual identity development was explored as a predictor of sexual self-concept and erotophobia–erotophilia using a student sample. Sexual identity development was operationalized using Worthington et al.’s Measure of Sexual Identity Development, which is theoretically based on Marcia’s identity model. Based on Worthington et al.’s scale, there are four sexual identity development domains: commitment to one’s sexual identity, exploration of one’s sexual identity, sexual orientation uncertainty, and synthesis/integration of one’s sexual identity. Several of Snell’s Sexual Self-Concept scales (e.g., sexual depression, sexual self-efficacy) and Tromovitch’s Comfort with Sexuality scales (e.g., comfort talking about sexuality, comfort with the sexual activities of others) were used to define sexual self-concept and erotophobia–erotophilia, respectively. A sample of students enrolled in an introductory psychology course at a Canadian university completed these instruments. Results suggest that sexual identity development was strongly predictive of sexual self-concept scales, multivariately. Sexual identity development was also predictive of comfort with sexuality. Sexual self-concept and erotophobia–erotophilia were also related to each other. These relationships supported the idea that a positive sexual identity development process contributes to a favorable view of the sexual self. However, the study was cross-sectional and correlational, so conclusions about directionality are preliminary and causality cannot be inferred.

This chapter summarizes advances in current theoretical and empirical literature on sexual identity development. It proposes a model of sexual identity that offers a more global (i.e., non-sexual identity group specific) perspective in comparison to existing sexual identity group-specific sexual identity models. Attention to commonalities in sexual identity development across sexual identity subgroups can offer a more global perspective that captures shared experiences of sexual identity development as well as differences between subgroups. The proposed unifying model of sexual identity development incorporates what has been learned from years of theory and research concerning sexuality, LGB and heterosexual identity development, attitudes toward sexual minority individuals, and the meaning of ordinate and subordinate group membership. The model describes the intersection of various contextual factors that influence the individual and social processes underlying sexual identity development. The unifying model is innovative in its applicability across sexual orientation identities, as well as its inclusion of a wide range of dimensions of sexual identity and possible developmental trajectories. The chapter concludes with a discussion of preliminary research findings that inform the unifying model and that have implications for future research. We hope this model allows researchers, educators, and practitioners to develop interventions and conduct investigations on broader questions about human sexuality without being constrained to gay–straight dichotomies of sexual orientation and the related methodological limitations that have characterized sexual identity theory and research in the past.

Emerging adulthood presents a unique developmental milieu for sexual orientation and identity development. Over the past 10 years, a body of research has begun delineating contemporary emerging adults’ understandings of their sexual orientation and processes of sexual identity development. This scholarship has increasingly recognized the complexity and multidimensional nature of sexual identity development among both heterosexual and sexual-minority individuals. This review covers current conceptualizations of sexual orientation and identity, traditional and contemporary models of sexual identity development, and recent empirical literature assessing developmental trajectories, consistency between and within dimensions of sexual orientation and identity, stability of these dimensions, and issues of sexual identity labeling and categorization. This scholarship suggests that increased attention to diversity within and between sexual identity groups is warranted but also reveals notable patterns and categories that should be considered as the field moves forward.

Emerging adulthood presents a unique developmental milieu for sexual orientation and identity development. Over the past 10 years, a body of research has begun delineating contemporary emerging adults’ understandings of their sexual orientation and processes of sexual identity development. This scholarship has increasingly recognized the complexity and multidimensional nature of sexual identity development among both heterosexual and sexual-minority individuals. This review covers current conceptualizations of sexual orientation and identity, traditional and contemporary models of sexual identity development, and recent empirical literature assessing developmental trajectories, consistency between and within dimensions of sexual orientation and identity, stability of these dimensions, and issues of sexual identity labeling and categorization. This scholarship suggests that increased attention to diversity within and between sexual identity groups is warranted but also reveals notable patterns and categories that should be considered as the field moves forward.

The study captures the impact of structured relationships within the family on sexual identity development of youth. Research problem stems from the quarry whether the semi-urban and rural families exposed to the social dynamics of globalization, differ in their role constructing the sexual identities of youth. Parent-youth communication, social class and style of parenting, family role in the resolution of sexual identity crisis, and inter sibling relations are considered pertaining to the sexual identity development. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. Multi staged simple random sampling technique is employed representing semi-urban and rural youth (n=225) in the postal survey. Informal interviews and ten in-depth case studies of youth with unresolved sexual identities were carried out. The study substantiates that although, semi-urban and rural families do not drastically contrast with each other, and they constitute two different contexts of sexual identity development. Although, social class is not correlated, gender role socialization, style of parenting cause the semi-urban and rural difference pertaining to family role in sexual identity development. Qualitative analysis revealed the precursors of negative sexual identity development within the family. Sri Lankan families leave little margin and are emotionally less supportive in case of negative sexual identities.

This research investigated sexual fluidity in attractions and sexual identity and associations with sexual orientation dimensions and sexual identity development in 199 (124 female, 75 male) US sexual minority young adults, ages 18–26 years. Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring sexual fluidity in attractions and sexual identity, sexual orientation dimensions (sexual identity, attractions, sexual behaviour) and sexual identity development. Sexual fluidity in attractions was reported by 64% of women and 52% of men, with 49% of those women and 36% of those men reporting sexual fluidity in sexual identity based on experiencing changes in attractions, with no significant gender differences. Sexually fluid women used a range of sexual identities, whereas most sexually fluid men identified as completely homosexual/gay. Sexually fluid people were more likely than non-sexually-fluid people to have engaged in past sexual behaviours with both genders. Sexual fluidity in attractions was not related to the timing of sexual identity developmental milestones; however, women reached some milestones at a later age than men. Findings from this research shed light on the complexities of sexual fluidity and sexual identity development in both women and men.

Among the estimated 56 000 new yearly infections of HIV in the USA, 51% are among African Americans. This demonstrates a disproportionate burden of HIV infection as African Americans make up approximately 12% of the population. One group warranting attention in North Carolina has been African American male college students. Between 2000 and 2003, 11% of new HIV infections among men ages 18–30 were enrolled in college at the time of their diagnosis, with 87% of those college students being African American. Another examination of HIV transmission among men ages 18–30 in North Carolina revealed that 15% of the men reported sexual contact with both men and women in the year prior to their diagnosis, and that these individuals were more likely than men who exclusively have sex with men to be African American and enrolled in college. Sexual identity is a complex and multidimensional construct, many factors of which have yet to be sufficiently explored in the context of the sexual transmission in the HIV epidemic. This is particularly true for heterosexual men and men who have sex with both men and women, as the work that has concerned sexual identity has often ignored these two groups. This neglect may stem from the fact that sexual identity development has often been inappropriately conflated to claiming a minority sexual orientation. As a part of an attempt to more fully understand the role that sexual identity may play in the lives of African American men, we interviewed African American male college students within a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in North Carolina. Our aim was to address a gap in the literature by exploring what shapes sexual identity and its development among African American men. This could potentially lead to future research that could explain sexual behaviour within the context of the HIV epidemic for this population. Interviews were used to assess experiences, attitudes, and beliefs about sexual identity development and sexual activity held by African American male college students. A total of 31 African American male students took part in this investigation that occurred at a HBCU in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina, located in one of the largest cities within the state. Researchers developed interview questions based on The Measure of Sexual Identity Exploration and commitment (MoSIEC) survey instrument. Results from this qualitative exploratory study revealed that the ideas and beliefs about sexuality and sexual identity for African American college males are heavily impacted by their peers and their environment. Males that had influence from an older sibling, cousin, or father about sex reported less sexual partners. Majority of the males reported that it is more acceptable for men to have multiple sex partners, but it is unacceptable for a woman to do the same.

Beyond Abstinence and Risk: A New Paradigm for Adolescent Sexual Health

Examining sexual identity development-the process through which sexual minorities discover and disclose their sexual orientations-within a minority stress framework may help to contextualize sexual and mental health disparities among gay and bisexual men. Research on sexual identity development has typically focused on ages of achieving specific milestones (i.e., awareness, identification, sexual experience, and disclosure), though differences in onset and speed of the process and impact of these trajectories on healthy functioning in adulthood are understudied. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 374 highly sexually active gay and bisexual men in NYC. Using latent growth curve modelling, we examined trajectories of sexual identity development through the four primary milestones. We next examined their associations with childhood and background characteristics, adult experiences of sexual minority stress, and adult mental health. Gay sexual identity and greater childhood gender nonconformity were associated with earlier reported onset of sexual identity development and younger age was significantly associated with faster progression through the developmental process. The model showed that faster progression through sexual identity development was associated with higher levels of sexual orientation-based discrimination, emotion dysregulation, sexual compulsivity, and anxiety and depression in adulthood. These findings support the need for a comprehensive and developmentally-informed model of adulthood functioning among gay and bisexual men that considers trajectories of sexual identity development-including onset and duration-as potential precursors to mental health difficulties in adulthood. Given the early onset of sexual identity development and potential lifelong sequelae, early prevention programs promoting positive sexual identity development are warranted.

Sexuality and sexual expression are core aspects of most clients' lives, yet most schools of social work fail to cover sexual development, leaving social workers uninformed about this essential area of human development. This is particularly the case when the sexual development of youths is concerned, as youth sexuality is often considered too controversial to explore. Considering a positive approach to youth sexuality that seeks to enhance youths' sexual development and promote their achievement of full sexual and reproductive rights, this article seeks to provide social workers with a resource they can use to enhance their understanding of youth sexual development and its applicability to social work practice. The two main theoretical orientations used to understand sexual identity development are covered as well as the research support for each. Following the explanation of theory is a discussion of how the two theoretical orientations can be integrated to form a more expansive base for the understanding of sexual identity development. A final section provides guidance on how an advanced understanding of youthful sexual identity development can enhance social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Little research has examined if there are differences in sexual well-being, negative sexual health outcomes, or levels of sexual identity development between racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth in the foster care system. Using a sample of youth formerly in the foster care system (n = 219), this study compared the sexual well-being, sexual identity development, and negative sexual health outcomes of racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth and found that racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth did not differ in overall levels of sexual well-being and had no significant differences in their levels of sexual identity development. There were differences in incidence of the youth or a partner having an STI/STD. These results indicate that there are few differences in sexual well-being, negative sexual health outcomes, or sexual identity development between racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth formerly in the foster care system. All four domains of sexual identity development predicted sexual well-being for non-racial/ethnic minority youth, but sexual orientation identity uncertainty did not predict sexual well-being for racial/ethnic minority youth, emphasizing the importance of sexual identity development. Attention to the sexual development and sexual health of youth in the foster care system continues to be lacking and should be expanded.