Sexual development is often oversimplified as a journey from a first kiss to the first sexual intercourse during adolescence. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge that sexual development is a lifelong process that extends beyond measurable heterosexual activities. It is important to recognize that individuals are sexual beings throughout their lives, and children and adolescents continually develop in this aspect, just as they do in other areas.

To understand sexual development in childhood and adolescence as a personal and individual maturation process, we need a more comprehensive and child-centered approach. This is necessary both in sexuality education tailored to different developmental stages and in providing a gradual understanding of the process for parents and educators.

What is sexuality?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexuality and sexual health in broad terms, encompassing various dimensions such as gender identities, sexual orientation, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. It is essential to adopt positive and wellbeing-focused perspectives when conceptualizing childhood sexuality and designing sexuality education programs. This approach ensures that children and adolescents receive information that promotes healthy self-esteem, respect, and understanding of their own sexual development.

Sexuality manifests differently at different stages of development, and the needs of children and adolescents differ from those of adults. Sexual activities considered appropriate for adults can be harmful when engaged in by children, even if they are positive and beneficial for adults' wellbeing. Involvement in sexual acts with older individuals constitutes child sexual abuse, which is a severe issue in all societies. During adolescence, sexual development accelerates, with physical maturity occurring earlier than emotional readiness for reciprocal and responsible sexual encounters. Premature sexual experiences during childhood and adolescence have been associated with negative outcomes. However, as adolescence progresses, readiness and desire for intimate sexual experiences typically develop.

Just like other aspects of development, sexual development follows age-specific steps that arise from a child's or adolescent's intrinsic needs, readiness, and intentions. Despite increasing research in this area, there is still limited knowledge among health professionals, educators, and parents regarding normal sexual development. To support and safeguard the sexual development of children and adolescents across different stages, it is crucial to have a clear and easily understandable model that outlines the steps of sexual development. This model would assist parents, teachers, and professionals in working with children and adolescents.

Most existing sexuality education models primarily focus on late adolescence, emphasizing preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. They often neglect younger individuals' emotional needs and provide little guidance for teaching young children safety skills against sexual abuse. It is essential to develop positive and health-focused models that cover the entire span of childhood and adolescence, promoting self-understanding, respect for one's own developmental stage and needs, and pride in one's own development. Such models can help individuals build resilience against external pressures, appreciate and respect the needs of potential partners, and avoid crossing boundaries.

Classic psychoanalytical theory acknowledges the sexuality of children from infancy, dividing it into oral, anal, phallic, and early genital phases. Attachment theories suggest that children have an innate readiness to form attachments with others, which serves as a prototype for future social relationships, including romantic and erotic ones. Erikson's psychosocial theory describes development in stages from infancy to adulthood, with each stage presenting a unique psychosocial crisis that needs resolution. Developmental tasks theory emphasizes the completion of specific tasks at each stage as a prerequisite for success in subsequent stages. In adolescence, the focus shifts to identity formation, where sexuality and gender identity play central roles.

What are the roles of nature and nurture in sexuality?

The study of sexual development and gender identity involves the interplay of nature and nurture. Cognitive and social learning theories suggest that individuals actively construct gender schemas through interaction with the environment. Biological research examines genetic, hormonal, and neural mechanisms, as well as brain anatomy differences, in the development of gendered behaviors and gender identity. The brain exhibits sex differences influenced by both hormones and genes. Additionally, early social experiences can shape lasting sex differences through epigenetic influences. Research methods for studying childhood sexuality include direct observation, interviews or surveys with caregivers, and retrospective data collection. Empirical findings challenge the notion that prepubertal children are asexual, showing normative sexual behaviors from early stages of development. These behaviors include self-stimulation, exhibitionism, curiosity about the opposite sex, and various forms of sexual play. As children grow older, they engage in sexual exploration, develop sexual knowledge, and experience sexual fantasies. Cognitive aspects of sexual development involve learning social norms and acquiring knowledge about body parts, gender differences, and reproduction. Love and emotional connections also play a role, with children expressing infatuation and engaging in behaviors such as kissing and hugging. Overall, understanding childhood sexuality requires a multidimensional approach that considers both biological and environmental factors.

What is the model of Steps of Sexuality?

Given the developmental theories and empirical research, the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of sexuality are important in the development of children and adolescents. These facets of sexuality manifest differently in various developmental phases and are associated with different needs. The development starts with children's playful curiosity and openness, which later transitions to sensitivity and perplexity during early adolescence. As individuals mature, they experience increased desire and encouragement towards adult-type sexual activities.

In early childhood, it is crucial to establish a foundation of attachment, closeness, safety, curiosity, loving care, and trust. Children should learn to appreciate their bodies, respect boundaries, and adhere to social norms. This requires the development of self-regulation, social skills, and empathy. Adolescents, on the other hand, need guidance in exploring and expressing their sexuality, as well as navigating the external and internal pressures that arise during their social and pubertal maturation. It is important for parents, educators, and health professionals to understand sexual development in children and adolescents and provide age-appropriate guidance and education.

To address these needs, a comprehensive developmental model of sexual development is proposed, called the Steps of Sexuality. This model emphasizes the emotional, child-centered aspect of sexuality and takes a holistic approach. It consists of 11 steps that span from early childhood to young adulthood. However, it is important to note that the progression through these steps is not linear and can vary among individuals. The timing of each step depends on individual maturation, and individuals of the same age may be on different steps in their sexual development. The model aims to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity in sexual development and to provide support and guidance based on individuals' developmental phases and needs.

The existing literature on sexual behaviors in adolescence primarily focuses on heterosexual development. However, it is important to recognize that sexual minority youth may have unique challenges and experiences. They may navigate their own identities and face external pressures that differ from their heterosexual peers. Nonetheless, they go through similar phases of emotional development and have the same emotional needs. The Steps of Sexuality model is applicable to all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or physical qualities.

In conclusion, a comprehensive developmental model of sexual development, the Steps of Sexuality, is proposed to guide parents, educators, and health professionals in understanding and supporting the sexual development of children and adolescents. This model emphasizes the emotional aspect of sexuality and recognizes the diversity of experiences and needs.