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Empirical research by scholars from several disciplines provides the basis for an outline of the process of sexual development. The process of achieving sexual maturity begins at conception and ends at death. It is influenced by biological maturation/aging, by progression through the socially-defined stages of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life, and by the person's relationships with others, including family members, intimate partners, and friends. These forces shape the person s gender and sexual identities, sexual attitudes, and sexual behavior Adults display their sexuality in a variety of lifestyles, with heterosexual marriage being the most common. This diversity contributes to the vitality of society. Although changes in sexual functioning in later life are common, sexual interest and desire may continue until death.
Human beings are sexual beings throughout their entire lives. At certain points in life, sexuality may manifest itself in different ways. Each life stage brings with it pressures for change and sexual development milestones to be achieved if sexual health is to be attained or maintained. The stages of sexual development are a human developmental process involving biological and behavioral components.
CHILDHOOD (BIRTH To 7 YEARS)
The capacity for a sexual response is present from birth. Male infants, for example, get erections, and vaginal lubrication has been found in female infants in the 24 hours after birth (Masters, Johnson, & Kolodny, 1982). Infants have been observed fondling their genitals. The rhythmic manipulation associated with adult masturbation appears at ages 2 1/2 to 3 (Martinson, 1994). This is a natural form of sexual expression (Friedrich, Fisher, Broughton, Houston, & Shafran, 1998). Children engage in a variety of sexual play experiences while very young; this play becomes increasingly covert as the child ages (ages 6 to 9) and becomes aware of cultural norms (Reynolds, Herbenick, & Bancroft, in press). Infants and young children have many other sensual experiences, including sucking on their fingers and toes, and being rocked and cuddled. These experiences may establish preferences for certain kinds of stimulation that persist throughout life.
The quality of relationships with parents is also very important to the child's capacity for sexual and emotional relationships later in life. Typically, an attachment or bond forms between the infant and parents) (Bowlby, 1965). It is facilitated by positive...