ABSTRACT
This chapter explores sexuality and sexual identity development. It explains some of the most prevalent issues that affect clients of the life span. The chapter focuses on anorexia and bulimia nervosa, since these tend to be primary concerns for many clients who seek the help of social workers. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain and the sex glands, or gonads, are the main structures involved in hormonal changes during adolescence. A central question surrounding hormonal and other changes during adolescence is whether the changes cause dramatic changes in behavior. Some adults never exhibit the cognitive skills described in the formal operations stage, while others may exhibit skills prior to adolescence. Adolescence is a time when many decisions must be made, such as with whom to form intimate relationships, what occupational paths to pursue, whether to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and whether to have intercourse.
