Sexual Behavior During Adolescence

Adolescence is a period of exploration, when sexual behavior—both self-stimulation and partner-shared stimulation—generally increases. However, the results of the NSSHB Survey, which included adolescents in its national probability sample, indi­cate that teenage sexual behavior is somewhat less pervasive than it is often portrayed by the media. In fact, "At any given time point, most adolescents are not engaging in any sexual behavior, with the possible exception of masturbation" (Fortenberry et al., 2010, p. 314). Although much of teenage sexuality is a progression from childhood behaviors, a new significance is attached to sexual expression. We will look at some areas in which important developments occur during adolescence, including the sexual double standard, masturbation, noncoital sex, development of ongoing relationships, intercourse, and homosexuality.