MODULE TWO: COUNSELLING - FHI 360 Center for Global Health ...

Anxiety about bodily changes (Am I normal?)
Feelings about self (Self Esteem)
Feelings about others (same sex peers, opposite sex peers, parents of opposite
sex, siblings of opposite sex)
Anxieties about behaviour (sexual behaviour with same sex and sexual behaviour
with opposite sex).
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ADOLESCENTS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
As a result of the physical and emotional changes associated with adolescence,
many difficulties arise. These difficulties also differ from one culture to another.
Besides the impact of the changes in each adolescent, one can also consider
anxieties that adults may have regarding the new potential for pregnancy which
comes with the development of the reproductive systems and the risk of STIs
and HIV from behavioral changes. Recent data indicates that up to 60 per cent
of new HIV infections are among 15 –24 year olds, with females outnumbering
males by a ratio of two to one.
Young people’s maturation process is influenced by their surroundings and
affected by relationships with key people such as parents, teachers and peers.
Several factors influence sexual behavior during the adolescent years.
a) Peer group influence
b) Social Norms
c) Religion and traditions
d) Gender
e) Socioeconomic factors
Peer Groups
Peer groups increase in importance and influence during adolescence, as friends
are a powerful source of information and shape the way young people behave.
Social influence theories suggest that because group and individual norms and
attitudes shape behavior, it is helpful for people to identify social pressures and
then develop individual and group values that support health and appropriate
behaviors.
Social Norms
As young people enter puberty, their interest in sex increases. At the same time
they experience strong, often conflicting emotions and social pressures as they
move away from childhood dependence towards more independent adulthood.
In many cases current social norms reward boys but punish girls for having sex;
mass media glamorizes irresponsible sex but reject young people’s interest in
sexuality.
Session 8-Pg.2