Adolescent Psychosexual Development Stages
Psychosexual Development Stages
Individuals go through different stages of development in which changes occur within themselves and in their relationships with others. These are called stages of psychosexual development, driven by libido, the psychic energy associated with sexual drives.
In these phases, the individual seeks various forms of sexual satisfaction and engages in fantasies.
The Latency Stage
This stage is characterized by a focus on acquiring skills necessary for life. Childhood sexual experiences are repressed, allowing for concentration on social and intellectual development, such as schooling.
During this age, disturbances may manifest as school or social difficulties, potentially due to a lack of self-confidence. The cause may also be a genuine intellectual disability.
The Genital Stage (Adolescence)
This stage involves significant transformation and is considered a time of profound change. Sexual arousal is prominent, but it is considered ‘secondary’ because the individual experienced a ‘first sexual awakening’ during infancy.
Sexual Identity Formation
Around age three, children begin to acquire a basic gender identity. However, the full conformation of sexual and gender identity matures throughout adolescence.
Stages of Adolescent Sexuality
While individual experiences vary, these stages describe common characteristics.
Early Adolescence (12-13 years)
Characterized by the onset of physical sexual maturation, extreme curiosity about their own body and peers, many sexual fantasies, engagement in autoeroticism, and intense interactions that may not involve physical sexuality (e.g., coquetry, platonic love).
Middle Adolescence (14-17 years)
Characterized by full physical sexual maturation, increased focus on self (narcissism), high expression of sexual energy with emphasis on physical contact and exploratory sexual behavior (which may include homosexual or unplanned heterosexual experiences), denial of the consequences of sexual behavior (often stemming from a sense of invulnerability, lack of information, or inadequate sex education), and intense but often fleeting relationships.
Late Adolescence (Over 18)
Characterized by complete physical and socio-legal maturation, significant achievements in psychological maturation, sexual behavior becomes more expressive, intimate relationships become more stable, and individuals begin to define their sexual roles.
Sexual Instincts in Adolescence
As noted, the physical changes of puberty are responsible for the emergence of strong sexual instincts. At this stage, adolescents may be at risk of being overwhelmed by these instincts, potentially complicating their lives by seeking gratification without control and dismissing moral considerations as useless taboos.
Adolescent Transition and Development
Generally, the transition from childhood to adulthood is not continuous or uniform. Biological, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychosexual growth can be highly asynchronous. Progress in each of these areas often involves oscillations before changes are consolidated. Understanding the range of these variations helps practitioners distinguish between normal development and potential problems.