PSYC 391 Chapter Notes -Breastfeeding, Child Sexuality, Sexual Identity
Document Summary
Psyc 391- ch 13 (sexuality in the early years and adolescence) Intro: historically children viewed as completely devoid of sexual nature/feelings. Any type of sexual behaviour (even involuntary response ie erection) see as indicated of evil character. Given highly negative beliefs about sexuality throughout western history (esp regarding children) researchers have avoided addressing childhood sexuality at all. This belief of sexuality based on disease perspecteive where early exposure to anything sexual thought to corrupt and damage dev: and interest in sexuality of children by adults seen as pedophilia (bad) Unsure of implications of such early dev, tho suggest early dev to lay foundation for layer sexual functioning: infancy- birth to 2 years old, b/c of negative attitudes virtually no research in sexuality of children this young. Breast feeding, oral stimulation, highly pleasurable and soothing for infants (positive for mother and baby) For mother stimulation even causing uterine/vaginal contractiosn similar to orgasm (pleasure)