ABSTRACT
The previous chapter focused on early and foundational influences on the development of adolescents’ sexuality. Different facets of early adolescent lives, however, have stronger effects than these earlier experiences. As is seen here, many of these facets help to shape their developing sexuality. This chapter reviews empirical findings about these forces. Biological changes, an important hallmark of adolescence, are the first source of influence considered. The social influences of family, peers, and dating partners are then reviewed. Finally, I examine different individual characteristics of adolescent. It is important, however, to understand how many adolescents are coitally active to set the stage for investigating these influences. Thus, I first review the scope of adolescent sexual activity.
