In searching for evidence of the effects of preadolescent sexual encounters, it is instructive to pull out from the cases quoted in this study the reactions of preadolescents to the sexual encounters they have experienced. From the case histories from which excerpts have been reported in this chapter we have extracted evaluative words and phrases. They are listed here in three sections, under the headings positive reactions, negative reactions, and reactions that could not in context be classified as either positive or negative.
Positive Negative Other it seemed scientific feeling like it was quite harmless
and logical naughty didn't act as an impeexcited embarrassed tus for a greater
proud felt I was too young longing for sex enjoyed didn't know how to act didn't really startle
fine and dandy objected violently me liked the results lost fascination oscillated
desires open miserable no recollection of distinctly warm and ran away being sexually
comfortable not ready aroused lots of fun too early no pressing need
wanted not a word was spoken merely a game to play made aware of pleasure like a hangover wild and confused
felt more like friends touch of conscience dreams made me feel
knew what to expect the hurt was strong funny gradually began to felt awkward and out the funny feeling was
enjoy of place both distressing began to think would have preferred and exciting
liked it other games wondering felt good came too early little interest
enjoyable pushed me faster than remember none of it learned socially I wanted to grow has not become ugly in
accepted modes of fear of parental dis-my eyes behavior approval stunned, bewildered
friendships made irritating and awe-stricken by knowledge was of great uncomfortable because the repulsiveness,
value a self-conscious-yet the attractive-each time I felt a ness always per-ness
little more com-sisted thinking and wondering fortable constant fear.
Positive in love romantic really liked one girl got a big kick
made me want to know growing awareness very excited
uninhibited, ready to learn and accept beautiful very close
able to talk meant a great deal made it easier to
confide satisfied my curiosity caused me to wish
again to have the same sensation accepted great thing
pleasure pleased having a good time important
self-confidence love pretty good sensation was so great
sure felt good strange excitement generally good time
enjoyed it tingling all over wholesome well-rounded
excitement understood (positive) curiosity beautiful
wonderful knew what to expect liked the sensation amazed and fascinated
shy and uncomfortable extremely shocked
embarrassed and con fused left early went home and cried
hated that boy refused to go disturbed gulf of distrust
fear morbidly afraid feel that sex was something dirty and
was something to be ashamed or embarrassed about disgusted
hate bad dirty connotation became self-conscious confused
repulsed depressed wanted to reject disappointed all excitement was
gone could feel a wall go up angry and hurt crying frustration
horrible swore than it would never happen to me was never sure
too young to understand or care puzzled not satisfied
unclean or unhealthy fear parent would be hurt shocked didn't get any plea
sure gave me guilt feelings refused to take part led me to masturbate-could not forgive
did not understand wild conceptions.
Other can't say the results were severely traumatic funny feeling inside
hunger for knowledge stimulated amazed not interested quite harmless
marvelling fascinated never attached any importance to the incident
bragging astounded curiosity no apparent purpose serious impression didn't bother me
sounded perfectly awful and terribly messy ashamed did not know wasn't "good" or "nice"
scared hide embarrassing afraid of being teased worried trembled suffered a great deal
concern shocked uneasy bad dirty limited knowledge repulsed afraid
felt very guilty frightening hesitant didn't enjoy it didn't get any sensa
tion from it would not accept this wasn't fair upset about my relations very alarming traumatic
experience ran away uneasy cried and stared at the floor punishment evil
dared not ask cried hysterically worried frustrated and hurt
shameful guilty conscience worried miffed made me sick terrifying experience felt very bad.
The negative reactions tell of guilt, embarrassment, a feeling of
being too young for the experience, revulsion, fear, self-consciousness,
confusion, distrust, disgust, disappointment, isolation, frustration,
uncertainty, shock, and unpleasantness. The positive (less
numerous) reactions tell of appreciation, excitement, pride, enjoyment,
awareness, pleasure, fun, desire, closeness, love, romance,
anticipation, and satisfaction.
What would the reactions of preadolescents to their sexual encounters
be if society recognized preadolescent sexual potential, provided
responsible information about sex, and allowed for developing sexual
maturity and expression? Would the reactions of preadolescents be more
or less negative than they are now? Opinions of both students of human
sexuality and parents of preadolescents are divided on this issue and
empirical evidence is inadequate to predict what the major ramifications
of a program of greater sex education and increased sexual permissiveness
would be. One thing is certain, the majority of parents in
the United States appear to be ready to accept more and better sex education
for their offspring. It seems reasonable to assume that positive
and constructive sexual upbringing would result in more
discriminating interpersonal relations during the preadolescent years
and hence in an increase in positive attitudes toward interpersonal intimacy.