Adolescent is an age group that comes between childhood and adulthood. It can be referred to teenagers from ages 13 - 19 years old. During this stage in life, most youngsters are still trying to figure out who they are, what their values are, what they want, and how they fit into society. Adolescence is marked by rapid physical, mental, emotional, and social changes that are accompanied by new experiences, such as falling in love for the first time or having sex. The transition from childhood to adulthood can be difficult because it requires adapting to new roles and responsibilities. In addition, societal beauty standards are becoming more prevalent during these years as individuals start to become more aware of themselves. As a result, many adolescents have difficulty interpreting and responding to these norms, particularly when it comes to sexuality.
During adolescence, individuals begin to explore their sexuality by engaging in various activities like dating, flirting, kissing, petting, masturbation, etc., all of which may be influenced by societal standards of attractiveness and desirability.
Some boys may feel pressured to gain muscle mass to appear masculine while girls may strive for thinner bodies with larger breasts. These expectations can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image issues if not met.
Society's beauty standards also influence how adolescents view themselves and others regarding sexual activity. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or judged if they do not meet certain criteria, leading them to avoid intimacy altogether. On the other hand, those who conform to these norms might be considered more acceptable and desirable partners but risk objectification and exploitation.
The media plays an essential role in shaping society's beauty standards through advertising campaigns that promote unrealistic body types, clothing styles, hairstyles, etc. This can make adolescents feel even more pressured to achieve perfection and leads to negative body image issues such as eating disorders.
Popular culture often portrays sex as casual and meaningless, making it difficult for young people to understand its importance and emotional significance.
Adolescent interpretation and response to societal beauty standards are complex because they affect how teens view themselves, their partners, and relationships. As a result, educators should help youngsters develop healthy attitudes about sex, relationships, and body image by promoting positive messages about self-acceptance, respect, and communication. Parents need to have open conversations with their children about these topics without judgment or shame so that they can learn to navigate them safely and responsibly.
How do adolescents interpret and respond to societal beauty standards in relation to sexuality?
The perception of one's body and appearance is influenced by various factors including media, peers, family, and culture (Hill & Tiggeman, 2016). Adolescence is an important period for physical and cognitive development which shapes how individuals view themselves and their bodies (Nagler et al. , 2019).