Chapter Outline

The Stories of the Mysteries and Curiosities of Adolescent Sexuality

The Nature of Adolescence

• Biological and Sociohistorical Foundations
  • G. Stanley Hall's View
  • The Inventionist View
• Today's Youth
  • Old Centuries and New Centuries
  • Generational Perceptions and Memories
  • Heterogeneity

Puberty

• Determinants of Puberty
  • Heredity
  • Hormones
  • Weight and Body Fat
• Growth Spurt
• Sexual Maturation
• Secular Trends in Puberty
• Psychological Dimensions
  • Body Image
  • Menarche and the Menstrual Cycle
  • Early and Late Maturation
  • Complexity of On-Time and Off-Time
  • Pubertal Events in Development
• Pubertal Timing and Health Care

Sexuality

• Developing a Sexual Identity and Sexual Activity
  • Heterosexuality
  • Homosexuality
• Risk Factors for Sexual Problems
• Contraceptive Use
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
  • AIDS
• Adolescent Pregnancy
  • Consequences of Adolescent Pregnancy
  • Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy