During adolescence, erotic desire gradually develops ; from the pubertal eroticism of the first bars to the most adult version of it.
The emergence of erotic desire then translates into the search for new and, on many occasions, intense sexual experiences.
In parallel, adolescents see their emotional ties modify, at which point peers (young people their age) gain special importance. Thus, the search for new sensations and the assumption of risks typical of adolescence coincide with the development of new emotional bases of security, which occurs together with the awakening of eroticism.
Both the attachment system and the sexual system are in the process of change, as occurs with other systems at a biological and social level. However, the relationship between both systems (sexual and attachment) is of special importance in this period, due to its strong prominence, in addition to the basic symbiosis that exists between them.
This is because internal attachment models (relational mental representations) are activated in the space of intimacy that involves contact with other people, especially during shared sexual relations.
The two systems can enhance each other, giving rise to healthy, pleasant and safe sexual relations. This happens when the person develops a predominantly secure attachment style In this way, adolescents who have positive affective relationships with their reference figures will be less dependent on the approval of others and will need to engage in risky behaviors to a lesser extent to feel accepted.
In line with what was mentioned before, in a study we carried out at the University of the Basque Country we observed that Adolescents with secure attachment are the second group with the most sexual experience, after insecure avoidant adolescents; However, they are the ones who show the least willingness to take sexual risk This can be explained because those who have developed secure internal models of attachment explore the world and interpersonal and sexual relationships in a healthier way, taking fewer risks and managing the various contextual situations and their own internal states (psychological and affective) more effectively.
On the contrary, the interaction between these systems can be dysfunctional, leading to risky and less pleasurable sexual relations. So much so that Subjects with high levels of anxiety and/or avoidance in attachment show greater willingness to take sexual risks, as well as greater risk-taking in sexual relations
Here it is worth clarifying the difference between (attitudinal) disposition to risk and the actual execution of risky behavior. Although those who are more willing tend to take greater risks, it is advisable to study both variables separately for better adaptation of interventions, as argued at the end of the article.
Anxious and avoidant patterns
Returning to the sexual behaviors of insecure adolescents, those whose profile is predominantly anxious will have a certain tendency to having sexual relations not out of interest in the sexual experience itself, but rather as a way to please the partner and be able to satisfy your need for relationship and acceptance. This is related to their concern about rejection and abandonment and their high dependency.
For their part, avoidant adolescents simultaneously show the highest levels of sexual experience and willingness to risk. This places them in a position of special vulnerability. This group could be using their sexual relations to escape or escape from a highly emotionally charged situation It is, therefore, the use of avoidance or tension reduction strategies through activities such as the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, sexual activities or a mixture of both.
In conclusion…
As can be seen in this short article, It is necessary to take into account affective, social and emotional aspects when studying and understanding the sexuality of our adolescents Furthermore, this perspective allows us to more precisely adapt intervention strategies in terms of therapy and sexual education.
In this way, the distinction between the disposition to risk and the execution of risk behaviors allows us to know how to intervene before said behaviors are carried out, that is, optimizing efforts in the preventive field, as well as being more accurate in the sexological interventions.
Along these lines, the available data support working with fathers and mothers in the field of promoting sexual and reproductive health given the affective and regulatory role they play.
Therefore, including the aspects mentioned in the educational and intervention programs, the adolescent is encouraged to develop the necessary skills to manage situations of high emotional and erotic charge, also calibrating the influence of their internal attachment models. This contributes significantly to the development of a more positive and satisfying and less risky adolescent sexuality.
Author: Borja Luque, General Health Psychologist and Sexologist at Vitaliza Health Psychology.
