Sexuality in Early Adulthood
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Like other life passages, the one from adolescence to early adulthood offers potential for growth if one is aware of and remains open to the opportunities this period brings.Young adults are challenged with several task as they develop their sexuality. Establishing sexual orientation includes engaging in sexual experimentation including kissing, and fondling with members of both sexes. During this time sexual orientation is emerging. Young adults also begin to integrate love and sex, this includes addressing the conflict of sex in relationships. Young adults have to learn to unite the two traditional gender roles instead of viewing them as polar opposites. Young adults also forge intimacy and make commitments for relationships. They must gain knowledge of their self and others as potential partners through dating, courtship, and cohabitation, increasing their sexual experience. There is an increase in interdependency and sexuality can be the means of enhancing intimacy and self-disclosure.Those in early adulthood also have to make fertility and child-bearing decisions. During this stage these aspects become increasingly legitimate, especially if they are married. This topic is critical but unacknowledged, especially for single, young adults. Young adulthood also includes practicing safer sex to protect against STIs. Young adults must integrate STI awareness and protection into their communication, values, and behaviors. And last but not least, the sexual philosophy of young adults is ever evolving. It is a reevaluation of the moral standards based on personal principles. It includes the evolution of the personal, philosophical perspective to give coherence to sexual attitudes, beliefs, and values, thus placing sexuality within a larger framework of their lives and relationships. This evolving sexual philosophy integrates personal, religious, spiritual, and humanistic values with their sexuality. Image from McGraw Hill Image Library