Social Factors Influencing the Development of Adolescents’ Sexual Self-Concept: Implications for Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Abstract

This capstone investigates how social factors influence adolescent sexual self-concept (SSC) and informs sexual health education (SHE) practices. Examining religious, educational, and caregiver influences reveals nuanced findings. Religious teachings in conservative denominations often perpetuate shame and stigma for sexual and gender minority youth. School-based SHE programs promoting abstinence and heteronormativity negatively impact SSC, especially for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Caregivers, while influential, face barriers in discussing sex positively. The implications for counsellors include providing accurate information, supporting families with queer youth, and adopting culturally competent approaches. Despite some progress, challenges persist in critiquing abstinence-only ideologies and promoting comprehensive SHE. A proposed workshop aims to empower caregivers in fostering open discussions about sexuality within families. In conclusion, comprehensive and inclusive SHE is vital for informed decision-making and positive SSCs among adolescents, urging further research and focus in this area.