Adolescent Sexual Development

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that nearly all developmental theories view heterosexual orientations as the default option; whereas, homosexual or bisexual orientations, referred to as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer), is considered to be the deviant behaviour. The author examines the differences and similarities in the development of LGBTQ youth as compared to heterosexual youth with respect to the development of sexual identities, the availability of positive adult role models and the development of interpersonal peer group and dating skills. The paper concludes that the major difference between LGBTQ adolescent development and heterosexual adolescent development is within society's views of homosexuality and bisexuality. Society should change these attitudes and should equalize same-sex legal rights.

From the Paper:

"The development of a strong and stable identity, according to many theorists including Erikson, is the single most important developmental task that adolescents face. Failure to successfully develop an identity, or to struggle excessively through identity development, can have psychological and social ramifications that last for the duration of an individual's lifespan. Thus, the study of identity development is a widely popular topic within the social sciences. Recently, the identity development of LGBTQ youth has begun to be more closely scrutinized."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Psychological perspectives on lesbian, gay, and bisexual experiences" 2nd edition by Garnets and Kimmel.
• Johns, D.J., & Probst, T.M. (2004). Sexual Minority Identity Formation in an Adult Population. Journal of Homosexuality, 47(2), 81-90.
• Halpin, S.A. & Allen, M.W. (2004). Changes in Psychosocial Well-Being During Stages of Gay Identity Development. Journal of Homosexuality, 47(2), 109-126.
• Savin-Williams, R.C. (1998). Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth's Relationships With Their Parents. In, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Identities in Families: Psychological Perspectives, Edited by: Charlotte J. Patterson & Anthony R. D'Augelli. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Kimmel, D.C. (2000). Including Sexual Orientation in Life Span Developmental Psychology. Education, Research and Practice in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgednered Psychology: A Resource Manual, Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian and Gay Issues, 5, (Eds) Beverely Greene & Gladys Croom. California: Sage Publications.

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