ABSTRACT
At the time of conception, sex can be defined in terms of the genetic make-up of the individual. As the embryo develops, male and female characteristics emerge in terms of anatomy, physiology, and the endocrine system. At birth, the distinct anatomical characteristics allow a gender to be assigned. In the vast majority of individuals this will be the gender that they assume as they develop postnatally. Awareness of gender develops as the infant grows into childhood and subsequently enters adolescence. The influence of psychosocial factors becomes stronger throughout this transition. Bancroft (1989) describes three strands of sexual development,
(1) sexual differentiation, which begins in utero, and the development of gender identity
(2) sexual responsiveness (3) the capacity for intimate dyadic relationships. During adolescence these strands become integrated to form the mature adult. Ideally, the sexually mature adult should feel confident about his or her sexuality and be able to form an intimate dyadic relationship in which he or she can respond sexually to give and receive pleasure and strengthen the relationship for mutual support and love. Throughout this development, which can be considered as a life-long process, stresses can occur that challenge the developmental strands. The stresses include psychosocial changes, peer group influences, and illness. The stress can lead to a strengthening of the individual or to a dysfunctional situation affecting the individual, his or her partner, and their relationship.
