Emotional and Sexual Development in Adolescence: From Puberty to the Formation of Emotional Bonds

Abstract

The physiological processes, which occur during adolescence and often so abruptly, can threaten the continuity of the previously constructed sense of identity. They do this by questioning the patterns and representations that had previously governed the relations of the teenager with regards to his body and his relational systems. Although puberty is not just about sexual transformations, definitions centered mainly on this aspect can be found in literature. In fact, pubertal development is the acquisition disclosure index of the adult reproductive capacity. The aim of this task is to explore the process of increasing involvement of the adolescent in an emotional and sexual relationship with a partner. Moreover, it will try to understand this process from a relational and ecological perspective, taking into account the mediation of individual and contextual factors that may have an influence. From examinations performed, it is clear that it is important to consider the multitude of issues that come into play in the process of psycho-social adaptation of the adolescent, by interacting with one another over time, by strengthening one another or by eliminating protective or risk factors. In particular, romantic relationships, if they go well, can pose a factor for growth for the teenager and play an important role in the developmental tasks of this stage of life.