Choose Three Out Of The Six Short Answer Questions 120367

Choose Three Out Of The Six Short Answer Questions You Are To Answer

Choose three out of the six short answer questions. You are to answer in APA format, minimum of one page response (length) per question, not including title page and reference page (ref. pg. needs to have textbook listed as a reference, minimum).

Due Th. May 23 rd 2019 by 11:59pm via canvas dropbox NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE GRADED

Paper For Above instruction

Question 1: Among American women born before 1900, a mere 3 percent had experienced premarital sex by age 18. In the United States today, almost half of high school students report having had sexual intercourse. How do these changes in sexual behavior reflect cultural changes that have fueled a preoccupation with needs for social relatedness? How effectively have these sexual behavior changes served to fulfill people's need to belong?

Modern shifts in sexual behavior among American youth exemplify profound cultural transformations over the past century, particularly in the realms of social norms, gender roles, and attitudes towards sexuality. Historically, American women born before 1900 exhibited conservative sexual attitudes, with only 3 percent engaging in premarital sex by age 18. Sociocultural constraints, religious mores, and traditional gender roles substantially influenced these behaviors. Conversely, contemporary adolescents demonstrate a markedly increased prevalence of premarital sexual activity, with nearly half engaging by high school graduation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). This significant change signals a broader cultural evolution emphasizing individual autonomy, sexual liberalization, and openness about sexuality.

The increased sexual activity among adolescents can be viewed through the lens of social relatedness—a core human need for belonging and acceptance. As society has become more accepting of diverse expressions of sexuality, young individuals may seek to forge and affirm social bonds through intimate relationships. Sexual behavior, in this context, acts as a mechanism for social connection, trust, and shared identity, thereby satisfying the innate need for belonging (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). The normalization of sexuality and reduced stigmatization facilitate open communication and exploration, which can foster intimate bonds that reinforce social cohesion.

However, the effectiveness of these behavioral changes in fulfilling the need to belong is complex. While increased sexual activity may enhance feelings of connectedness for some, it does not universally translate into fulfilling deeper emotional or relational needs. In some cases, sexual behavior may be motivated by peer pressure, curiosity, or the desire for validation rather than genuine emotional intimacy. Additionally, adolescent sexuality can sometimes lead to adverse outcomes, including emotional distress or relational conflicts, thus complicating the relationship between sexual behavior and genuine social connectedness.

Research indicates that sexual behavior that is consensual, communicative, and rooted in emotional intimacy is more likely to promote feelings of belonging (Wennberg & Thorne, 2018). Conversely, casual sex disconnected from emotional bonds may not satisfy the fundamental human need for social relatedness, and may even exacerbate feelings of loneliness or alienation. Therefore, while cultural shifts have broadened the acceptance and expression of sexuality, their effectiveness in fulfilling the need to belong depends on the context and the individual's motivation for engaging in sexual activity.

In conclusion, the dramatic increase in adolescent sexual activity reflects broader cultural changes emphasizing individual rights, openness, and social acceptance regarding sexuality. These behaviors can potentially serve to strengthen social bonds and fulfill relatedness needs when rooted in emotional intimacy and mutual respect. However, the complexity of human motivation and the quality of relationships determine the extent to which sexual behavior can truly satisfy the essential human need for belonging.

References

• Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). National Survey of Family Growth: Sexual activity and related behaviors among adolescents. CDC Reports.
• Wennberg, K., & Thorne, S. (2018). Sexuality and social connectedness among adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47(5), 913–927.