Adolescents in "Transition": The Sexual Risk of Self-Channelization. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bordin, Elena
• Is Part Of: Journal of constructivist psychology. Volume 29:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 406
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Personal construct theory -- Periodicals; Constructivism (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 150.1985
• DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2015.1134367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-0537

Abstract

Abstract : Does labeling teenagers as reckless, impulsive, ruled by hormones, and incapable of considering the consequences of unprotected sex help us understand them better? The present article proposes an interpretation of adolescence as a combination of processes that allow teenagers to undertake experiments, much like (naïve) scientists, with the aim of finding new constructions of self, including in the area of sexuality. After considering some theoretical aspects in construing adolescents' points of view, examples of adolescents' stories are presented to suggest an alternative perspective of their risk-taking behavior. It is proposed that this alternative view of adolescents may influence those who work with young people to think differently when drawing up healthcare plans and sex education courses, in which the idea of right and wrong behavior gives way to one of elaborative choice .