Sexual Development Ages 18 and Over

Emotional Development 

Most young adults aged 18 and over will:

• Move into adult relationships with their parents 
• See the peer group as less important as a determinant of behavior 
• Feel empathetic 
• Have greater intimacy skills 
• Complete their values framework 
• Carry some feelings of invincibility 
• Establish their body image 

Sexual Development 

Most young adults aged 18 and over will:

• Enter into intimate sexual and emotional relationships 
• Understand their own sexual orientation, although they may still experiment 
• Understand sexuality as connected to commitment and planning for the future 
• Shift their emphasis from self to others 
• Experience more intense sexuality 

What Families Need to Do to Raise Sexually Healthy Young Adults 

To help young adults ages 18 and over develop a healthy sexuality, families should:

• Keep the lines of communication open and accept that the person is an adult, not a child. 
• Offer choices, acknowledge responsibilities, and avoid dictates. 
• Continue to offer physical and emotional closeness, but respect their need for privacy and independence. 
• Appreciate them for their strengths and qualities. 
• Facilitates their access to sexual and reproductive health care. 
• Continue offering guidance and sharing values