Introduction. The integration of the new sexual body and the use of sexuality as narcissistic confirmation, strongly related to the process of Self-construction in adolescence, are part of the definition of gender identity. Recent literature shows that the approach to the increasingly early sexual intercourse makes necessary specific psychological interventions in pubertal and prepubertal period, aimed at the prevention of risk behaviors related to sexual practices. The act at risk expresses a modality of Self-affirmation intrinsically linked to identity processes taking place in adolescence. Objectives. In a psychodynamic framework this study aims at exploring the links between sexuality and risk in adolescence starting from the adolescent imaginary, in order to highlight emerging themes. Methods. We asked 112 students, enrolled in different secondary schools of Naples, to write a tale where the main character acts a risky sexual behavior. The tales were analyzed with the support of T-lab (Lancia, 2004), a quali-quantitative software for texts analysis, in order to find themes and dimensions of meaning. We carried out a cluster analysis paying particular attention to the variable of gender and to its relations with the issues of identity and group (emulation and peer attachment to sexual patterns shared). Results. In the adolescent imagination there are destructive components associated to sexuality, such as the triad: sexuality-risk-violence that seems really exemplar. Punitive aspects, experiences of abandonment and feelings of guilt lead to the unwanted pregnancy as a result of sexual intercourse at risk. We highlight interesting relations between the variable of gender and sexual behaviors attributed to the main characters of the tales, in which the transgression is a central aspect. Discussion. We underline the need for preventive interventions about the fantasies associated with sexuality as well as the sexual behaviours and practices. Some implications of the study will be discussed.
Once upon a time... the sexuality: adolescents and sexual risk / Gargiulo, Anna; Manna, Valentina; Boursier, Valentina; Margherita, Giorgia. - (2014). (Intervento presentato al convegno 3rd Iberoamerican Congress of Health Psychology tenutosi a Siviglia nel 14-16/11).
Once upon a time... the sexuality: adolescents and sexual risk
GARGIULO, ANNA;MANNA, VALENTINA;BOURSIER, VALENTINA;MARGHERITA, GIORGIA
2014
Abstract
Introduction. The integration of the new sexual body and the use of sexuality as narcissistic confirmation, strongly related to the process of Self-construction in adolescence, are part of the definition of gender identity. Recent literature shows that the approach to the increasingly early sexual intercourse makes necessary specific psychological interventions in pubertal and prepubertal period, aimed at the prevention of risk behaviors related to sexual practices. The act at risk expresses a modality of Self-affirmation intrinsically linked to identity processes taking place in adolescence. Objectives. In a psychodynamic framework this study aims at exploring the links between sexuality and risk in adolescence starting from the adolescent imaginary, in order to highlight emerging themes. Methods. We asked 112 students, enrolled in different secondary schools of Naples, to write a tale where the main character acts a risky sexual behavior. The tales were analyzed with the support of T-lab (Lancia, 2004), a quali-quantitative software for texts analysis, in order to find themes and dimensions of meaning. We carried out a cluster analysis paying particular attention to the variable of gender and to its relations with the issues of identity and group (emulation and peer attachment to sexual patterns shared). Results. In the adolescent imagination there are destructive components associated to sexuality, such as the triad: sexuality-risk-violence that seems really exemplar. Punitive aspects, experiences of abandonment and feelings of guilt lead to the unwanted pregnancy as a result of sexual intercourse at risk. We highlight interesting relations between the variable of gender and sexual behaviors attributed to the main characters of the tales, in which the transgression is a central aspect. Discussion. We underline the need for preventive interventions about the fantasies associated with sexuality as well as the sexual behaviours and practices. Some implications of the study will be discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
