A stress and coping approach to adolescent sexual development

Abstract

In this paper it is argued that the normative biological, social and emotional events and processes of sexual maturation in adolescence can be interpreted as stressors. The nature of these stressors varies in terms of the amount of change required to adjust to the event or process, its unexpectedness, suddenness, negativity and uncontrollableness. Young people's capacity to cope with their sexual development, and the strategies they employ, will depend on the perceived nature of the stressor, the personal characteristics and inner resources of the adolescent, and the level of accessible social support. Personal characteristics discussed include optimism and a positive outlook, hardiness, communication and social skills, restraint/ conscientiousness and sense of control. Environmental supports discussed include family, peers, school, and organised religion.