History of Research Regarding Adolescent Sexuality
Most associations between adolescence and sexuality are negative and are characterized by statistics of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abortions, substance abuse, delinquency, and poor academic achievement, which are important focuses for a New York psychologist (Savin-Williams and Diamond, 2004). Few researchers have conducted qualitative studies; so there is little understanding of how adolescents develop their opinions of sex, choose sexual partners, and the meaning of sex to them. These are also important areas of focus for a therapist in New York City. In addition, little research exists regarding healthy, positive adolescent sexual development, another very important area to be addressed by therapists in New York City. Young women are consistently reminded of the negative consequences of sexuality, including health risks and social stigma (Fine, 1988; Tolman, 2002). Therefore, it is argued that it is difficult to develop a positive, empowering, healthy model of female sexual development. This is important to note, especially considering that sexual development is a defining feature of adolescence. As a New York psychologist, I am experienced at handling the sensitive issues of sexuality in a healthy and positive manner with adolescents. In addition there are negative implications for engaging in unhealthy, risky sexual behavior, which are also important focuses for a therapist in New York City. According to Carpenter (2001, p. 128), “sexuality constitutes a central feature of identity: individuals are to a great degree defined by themselves and others, both socially and morally, in terms of their sexuality”. This is an important aspect for New York psychologists to know and incorporate into their work with clients of any age. Despite the importance of sexuality in development, research addressing how adolescent sexuality can be positive and growth-promoting is nearly absent from the existing empirical literature (Savin-Williams and Diamond, 2004). We know little about what motivates sexual behavior and how sexual norms are developed and sustained (Di Mauro, 1997). Literature that does address healthy sexual development is theoretical rather than empirical (Chilman, 1990; Mishne, 1988).
Instead of positive adolescent development, research has focused on trends and statistics of adolescent sexual activity, risks and health implications for adolescent sexual activity, and hypotheses regarding adolescent attitudes on sex. As a therapist in New York City, I know that the most reliable data, with some cross-cultural validity, suggests a trend toward progressively earlier initiation of coitus, with this trend being more pronounced for females than for males (Center for Disease Control, 2002; Savin-Williams and Diamond, 2004). These trends are important for a New York psychologist to know, but are not the only information that is needed when working with adolescents.
Written by Dr. Cortney Weissglass as part of Clinical Research Project submitted to the Faculty of the American School of Professional Psychology of Argosy University, Washington, DC Campus, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. Dissertation chair: Ann Womack, PhD and Member: Jennifer McEwan, PhD. August, 2010.
As a New York psychologist, Dr. Weissglass will be working with children and adolescents, as well as their families to address issues ranging from anxiety to suicidal thoughts. In September of 2012, she will begin practicing as a therapist in New York City.
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