Sexual awakening comes to many during preadolescence. The presence
of sexual-erotic encounters in preadolescence casts doubt on the universal
application of the concept of sexual latency.
Other sociological
and anthropological research also calls the latency concept into
question as well.Preadolescence is a period of transition as the changes that begin
during these ages are essential to full adult sexual functioning.
The
biological-sexual changes-appearance of pubic hair, development of
breasts, etc.-can be awesome to the preadolescent who is not sure what
his reactions to such phenomenon should be.
Preadolescent boys experience erections in response to varied stimuli.
And masturbation is a common experience for both preadolescent
boys and girls. The masturbation fantasy accompanying these experiences
is in large part dependent upon the nature of one's prior sexual
experiences. Guilt feelings often accompany masturbation as the preadolescent
intuits guilt from the kind of sexual socialization received in
infancy and childhood.
Mixed parties are a part of the preadolescent scene and while providing
a chance for boy-girl encounters, often precede or signal the
beginning of paired dating. First paired dating frequently occurs and
even going-steady relationships develop at this early age.
The sexual-erotic encounters of preadolescents are often those carried
over from childhood with elaborations. Exposure, touching and fondling,
kissing, dancing, making out at parties, mutual masturbation,
coitus, and oral sex occur.
Homosexual activity is also present during preadolescence. About
six percent at the age of five and thirty-three percent at adolescence
have had at least one homosexual encounter. While it is generally proscribed
in the United States, many societies encourage homosexual behavior.
Preadolescent peers often serve as informal sex educators for each
other, although an older youth can similarly assume this role. Sexual-
erotic encounters with older youth can also take the form of exposure,
fondling, mutual masturbation, homosexual activity, fellatio, sodomy,
or coitus.
Preadolescent-parent sexual encounters are rarely directly or intimately
erotic in nature. They are better typified by verbal exchanges,
whether in the form of sex information or reprimands regarding sexual
behavior.
The realization that a sexual-erotic attachment exists between
parents is often reached during preadolescence also.
Incestuous relationships, although prohibited by law, can and do
occur during preadolescence. Daughter-father, stepdaughter-stepfather,
and brother-sister encounters are most frequent.
Preadolescents also interact with other adults. In some societies
overt sexual behavior is actively encouraged between preadolescents and
adults. In the United States such encounters are generally condemned by
society, although exhibitionism and masturbation by adult males in the
presence of female preadolescents do occur. Physical manipulation of
the preadolescent's genitalia by an adult also occurs.
Public opinion and sex laws limit sexual-erotic encounters of preadolescent
and adult. Likewise, such institutions as the school and
church attempt to control such encounters. These institutions also provide
the preadolescent with sex information-sometimes with positive
and sometimes with negative results.
The reaction of preadolescents to their sexual-erotic encounters
range from very positive to very negative. Data from case histories of
preadolescents supports the arguments for improved instruction in human
sexuality during childhood.