Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior Check Point
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Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior Check Point
Humans display sexual behaviors even before they are born. Males have erections while still in the womb and they are often born with an erection. Infants often suck on their fingers. They experience pleasure from genital stimulation and they may begin pelvic thrusting as early as eight months. Infants usually start masturbation between the ages of six and twelve months. In early childhood there is curiosity about the genitals and the children like to play “doctor”. From ages two to five children tend to be fascinated with breasts and they desire to touch them. At age three or four, the curiosity about genital increases and kissing is used to show affection. From age two until around age nine, children tend to touch themselves when they are home and they like to look at other people while the are undressing or when they are naked. Same sex play is common in this stage. When children reach the preadolescent stage they begin to be self-conscious about their bodies. Around ages ten to twelve, children become very curious about sex. They often socialize with peers of their same sex. Same sex exploration often occurs in this stage but only for a short period of time. Masturbation is the main way of having an orgasm for preadolescents. Mutual genital display with and without touching is not uncommon in this stage. In the adolescent stage masturbation is used as a sexual outlet. Many adolescents use petting to satisfy their sexual desires so they can avoid pregnancy and disease. Petting also prevents the loss of virginity.
References:
Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human Sexuality In a World of Diversity. (6th ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon.