Development on Sexual Orientation and Identity in Adolescents

Development on
sexual orientation
and identity
In adolescents

Introduction
The adolescent phase of development is not only associated with
the changes in the physical behavior or growth, but also in the
• emotional,
• moral,
• cognitive and
• Social development
• Due to this, the rate and extent of child development varies
among children and their gender and sexual orientation differs
(Patterson et al., 2017).

Developmental theories and its relation
• Two developmental theories which are chosen to link with the
adolescent development of sexual orientation and identity are-
• Erikson's stage of development and in this aspect determines the
transition from identity vs. Role to intimacy vs. isolation.
Identity vs. role is the fifth stage of development in which
confusion prevails the psychological development. This stage
starts from 12 to 15 year of age and persists throughout the
adolescence.
On the other hand, intimacy vs. isolation is the sixth stage of
Erikson's development and in this phase emotional development,
ability to sustain relationships occur (Dweck, 2013).