Stages of Sexual Development

Abstract

Adolescent intimate relationships often start with a crush, and by young adulthood most youth have had a romantic relationship. Intimate relationships are an important and normative part of adolescent development, and are vital for adolescents' well‐being. Stages of sexual development include the start of pubertal development and sexual behaviors such as petting and kissing. For many adolescents, these “light” sexual behaviors transition into sexual intercourse. Conflict or violence in intimate relationships, as well as nonlinear trajectories of sexual development, may have a negative impact on adolescents' mental health and well‐being.