title: Personal stories of growing up sexually.
abstract: Prevention of problems related to sexuality during adolescence continues to be a major public health challenge. Describing childhood perceptions of sexuality is an important step in understanding sexual issues during adolescence. However, there is a paucity of information about sexuality in early life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe recurrent themes in personal stories of growing up sexually. A thematic analysis with a narrative perspective was applied using the method described by Miles and Huberman (1994). Four interrelated themes pervaded the stories: parents as teachers, sex is secret, learning by experience, and first intercourse as a turning point. These findings have major implications for sexual health education and counseling in addition to further research.
authors: Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 451, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107, USA.
authors: C C
authors: CC
authors: Beausang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008572:Menarche / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012573:School Nursing; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*