title: Interviewing Adolescents About Sexual Matters.
abstract: To optimally address sex and sexuality, normalize gender and sexual diversities, and attend to adolescents' needs, clinicians will best serve their patients and their families by becoming comfortable initiating confidential, developmentally appropriate discussions with all adolescent patients. The goal is to create a safe, affirming, nonjudgmental space wherein adolescents may learn about sexual matters, discuss concerns, ask questions, and find support to assist them to achieve healthy, positive development. This article provides useful, practical suggestions to begin these conversations, offers specific examples and tips to encourage dialogue, and discusses ways to be a resource to adolescent patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child & Adolescent Health, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, VC4-417, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: Bp35@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Betsy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pfeffer
authors.affiliation: Division of Education, Research and Training, Physicians for Reproductive Health, 55 West 39th Street, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10018, USA.
authors.forename: Taylor Rose
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Ellsworth
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Center for Community and Health Education, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Population and Family Health, Center for Community and Health Education, Columbia University Medical Center, 60 Haven Avenue, Level B-3, Room 308, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Melanie A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gold
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012736:Sex Education; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Adolescent sexuality; Confidentiality; Gender identity; Healthy relationships; Sexual attraction; Sexual behavior; Sexual orientation