title: Biologic perspective on early erotic development.
abstract: Neurobiologic researchers can understand children's sexuality in less moral and more biologic terms. Genetically programmed levels of neurotransmitters and hormones establish a baseline trajectory of erotic interest and activity across the lifespan. Environmental influences also contribute. Intense early stimulation can affect the brain and create a condition of hyper eroticism, whereas too little stimulation can limit the ability to bond and impair the sexual response. Children who are erotically challenged or challenging are viewed correctly as having a brain imbalance, rather than as victims or as being morally deficient. This should pave the way for more humane, objective, and effective interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1356 Lusitana Street, 4th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. yatesa@dop.hawaii.edu
authors.forename: Alayne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yates
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003469:Culture; D004882:Erotica; D005260:Female; D005835:Genitalia / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009014:Morals; D010290:Parents; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D009626:Terminology as Topic