Sexual+experimentaion


 * Sexual Experimentation**

Sexual Experimentation is not directly defined yet, but you can make an accurate assumption from the meaning of each word. It is when individuals desire to have sexual encounters with either gender. Adolescence may explore sexual intercourse, desires, communication, and all other sex related acts. Young people have a sexuality that is still forming and developing, part of finding out what an individual like and dislike involves some experimentation and the desire to explore from a wide range of different sexual opportunities.
 * Definition**

Developing sexually and experimenting with another person can be exciting yet vulnerable experience. Sexual feelings, fantasies, and desires are very normal; puberty is generally the time when our bodies begin to change. Exploring, discovering, and becoming more comfortable with your own body is usually the first step when people begin to sexually experiment. “Sexually healthy adolescence takes pleasure and pride in their own developing bodies. As they mature, they have an increasing ability to communicate honestly and openly with whom they have a close relationship” (Chilman, 1990). Sexual experimentation whether with our own bodies or with someone else, is one way we learn about ourselves sexually. When you explore you sexuality you learn you’re dislikes and likes and it will be very beneficial to reach your sexual satisfaction. Individuals tend to only think about all the negative reactions and tend to hold themselves back from being open for the fear of shame. We can think of all the options that may have a positive effect on our sense of self and be more open about the sexuality of individuals. “Sexual experimentation at normative ages should have little negative emotional consequences” (Whitbeck, Yoder, Hoyt, and Conger, 1999). Trying something new won’t harm you at all but it is all about how comfortable you are with your sexuality.
 * Exploring Your Sexuality** [[image:sexual_experimentation.jpg width="360" height="256" align="right" caption="Most sexual encounters are with the opposite sex"]]

At an early age children begin to become curious about their surroundings. This curiosity leads to children exploring things by touching and asking questions. Sexuality is no exception. Goldstein (1999) says that “sexual experimentation and play in children is a normal behavior; however, it is generally observed to be consistent with the age level of the child.” As infants, they begin to touch their genitals and become curious about their bodies as well as other people’s bodies and anything related to sexuality. During their adolescence young people want to explore dating, kissing, and what it’s like to experiment with sexual behaviors. Children begin sexual experimentation by playing games such as “doctor” in which this is normal sexual development for young people.
 * Normal Child Sexual Development**


 * Common Behaviors**
 * From birth to age 2: Explore their genitals, boy’s penis can become erect and girl’s vagina can lubricate. Begin to become aware of their identity as male or female and develop gender roles of how a male or female should act.
 * Ages 3-4: Become increasingly aware of their bodies, becomes aware that touching their genitals feel good which may lead to them masturbating. Recognize that they are a boy or a girl, play house or doctor, and show interest in forms of sexual play.
 * Ages 5-8: Continuation of sex play and masturbation, form same sex relationships.
 * Ages 9-12: Desires privacy as puberty begins. Look at erotic magazines and internet sites; develop crushes on friends, older teens, or teacher. Show an interest in dating and explore sexual and romantic fantasies.
 * Ages 13-18: Adolescence may want to date; feel pressured my peers to engage in sexual activities, fall in love, and experiment with kissing and touching that may include oral sex or intercourse.

Throughout an individual’s lifetime they may have the urge to sexually experiment with another individual of the same sex. It is assumed that most people tend to explore same sex encounters within their college years. In the Daily Free Press (2011) it says “with the media portrays experimentation positively on TV shows such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars, which have openly gay characters, some students believe that same sex encounters are more accepted and encouraged.” Same sex experimentation is very normal and acceptable in today’s society; it is common for people of all genders to have sexual intimacy or to explore sexuality together. Same sex experimentation does not mean you identify as being gay or a lesbian, it’s considered a stage experiment stage that all people go through in some point and time in their life.
 * Same Sex Experimentation**

Some individuals are actually not ashamed of expressing themselves sexually. There are a multitude of things that people can experience that involves some kind of sexual activity. Porn is considered a type of sexual experimentation as well as phone sex and cyber sex. “The internet has brought a new dimension to intimacy, both by permitting intimate contact electronically over a distance and by, through that same contact, permitting intimate discussion shorn of most of the social cues present in face to face interactions” (Ross, 2005). People experiment with things like phone sex to enhance their experience with sexuality. You can also look at phone sex and cyber sex as steps away from being actually physically interacting with another individual.
 * Sexual Healing**



Your sex life will dramatically change as you age. There’s no need to be neither embarrassed nor ashamed of your sexuality. Just as much as people spend time hiding their sexual urges, there’s just as many people exposing their sexuality and are very proud. The more you are open with your sexuality the greater the experience.
 * Be Very Proud!**

(2011). Sexual Experimentation in college not as common as once assumed, CDC says Retrieved from: http://dailyfreepress.com/2011/03/23/sexual-experimentation-not-as-common-as-assumed-cdc-says/
 * References**

(2008). Age-Appropriate Sexual Behavior. Retrieved from: http://www.stopitnow.org/age_appropriate_sexual_behavior

Chilman S. Catherine. (1990). Promoting Healthy Adolescence Sexuality. Family Relations, 39(2), 40-49. JSTOR

Goldstein L. Seth. (1999). The Sexual Exploitation of Children: A Practical Guide to Assessment, Investigation, and Intervention Second Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.paperbackswap.com/Sexual-Exploitation-Children-Seth-L-Goldstein/book/0849381541/ Phone Sex [Picture] Retrieved from: http://mrsellars.com/mrblog/?p=3557

Ross W. Michael. (2005). Typing, Doing, and Being: Sexuality and the Internet. The Journal of Sex Research, 42(4), 342-352. JSTOR Whitbeck, B. Les., Yoder, A. Kevin., Cogner, D. Hort & Rand. (1999). Early Adolescent Sexual Activity: A Developmental Study. Journal of Marriage and Family, 61(4), 934-946. JSTOR

Wonders around the world [Picture] Retrieved from: http://wondersaroundtheworld83.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html