Cognitive development and aspects of adolescent sexuality
Pestrak, V.A.; Martin, D.
Adolescence 20(80): 981-987
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-8449 PMID: 4083149 Document Number: 260098
This paper proposes that even if early sexual activity is socially acceptable, and although young adolescents may be biologically capable of coitus, they have not reached the level of cognitive development to develop genuine intimacy, understand the complex, interpersonal aspects of a mature sexual relationship, and properly practice birth control. Elkind refers to adolescent egocentrism with 2 modes of thinking: 1) the imaginary audience and 2) the personal fable. The imaginary audience involves asolescents' anticipation of other people's reactions to themselves, while the personal fable refers to the adolescents' belief that they are special and unique. Evidence suggests that these modes of thinking play a part in many teenagers' decisions not to use contraceptives. While it is commonly believed that sex education leads to proper use of contraceptives, some studies contradict this view. Manaster suggests that due to the high level of cognitive sophistication necessary to function at the permissiveness with affection standard, many adolescents will be unable to adopt this standard. Still, many adolescents believe that they are operating according to this sexual standard. Although adolescents are experiencing the onset of puberty earlier, they are not developing at a faster rate cognitively. Different forms of birth control demand 1) acceptance of one's sexuality ,2) acknowledgement that one is sexually active, 3) anticipation in the present, and 4) the ability to view potential future sexual encounters realistically. Excluding sterility, the only contraceptive device that does not make these demands is the IUD.