Draft:PUBERTAL SEXUALIZATION ANXIETY
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| Pubertal Sexualization Anxiety | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Psychology, Psychiatry |
| Symptoms | Fear, anxiety, psychological distress, identity concerns |
| Duration | Variable, often linked to puberty |
| Causes | Hormonal changes, physical transformations, societal pressures |
| Treatment | Psychotherapy, psychological support |
Pubertal Sexualization Anxiety (PSA) is a specific form of anxiety that arises during puberty, associated with the physical and psychological transformations linked to gender identity and sexualization. This phenomenon is particularly significant during adolescence, a period when young individuals face complex questions about their bodily, sexual, and gender identities. The clinical concept was introduced in the French Psychiatry Review (Psychiatrie française) and is supported by scholars such as Céline Masson, a psychoanalyst and professor in child and adolescent psychology, Caroline Eliacheff, a child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Jean Szlamowicz, a linguist and university professor, Thierry Delcourt, a child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and Pamela Grignon, a clinical behavioral psychologist.Masson, C., Eliacheff, C., Szlamowicz, J., Delcourt, T., & Grignon, P. "Pubertal Sexualization Anxiety: A New Clinical Proposition." French Psychiatry Review. Retrieved from [1], accessed November 4, 2024.Masson, C., Eliacheff, C., Szlamowicz, J., Delcourt, T., & Grignon, P. "Pubertal Sexualization Anxiety (PSA): A New Clinical Proposition." Retrieved from [2], accessed November 4, 2024.
Description
[edit]Puberty is marked by major physical changes, such as the development of secondary sexual characteristics, which can trigger significant anxiety in some adolescents. This anxiety is often fueled by uncertainties related to gender identity, cultural expectations, and social norms surrounding gender roles.
Pubertal sexualization anxiety can manifest as deep discomfort, obsessive thoughts about the body, or a sense of losing control over physical changes. Adolescents may also experience distress related to comparisons with peers or societal pressures.
Causes
[edit]The causes of pubertal sexualization anxiety are multifactorial:
–Hormonal and physical transformations characteristic of puberty.
–Confrontation with sexuality and societal expectations about gender roles and stereotypes.
–Fear of not meeting societal norms or being judged by peers.
The influence of media and social networks, which can amplify appearance-related and gender-based pressures.
Symptoms
[edit]Adolescents experiencing this form of anxiety may show signs such as:
Excessive fear or discomfort regarding their own body.
In girls: anxiety related to the onset of menstruation, breast development.
In boys: anxiety linked to spontaneous erections and nocturnal emissions.
Recurring concerns about physical appearance or conformity to gender roles.
Avoidant behaviors, such as reluctance to participate in group activities or social isolation.
Physical symptoms of anxiety, including palpitations, sweating, or trembling.
Treatments
[edit]Treating pubertal sexualization anxiety typically involves psychological support:
Psychotherapy can help adolescents better understand their emotions and develop strategies to manage their anxiety.
Support groups or safe discussion spaces can facilitate the sharing of similar experiences.
Therapeutic interventions, such as art therapy or animal-assisted therapy.
Home-based educational interventions.
In cases where anxiety significantly interferes with daily life, intervention by a mental health professional may be necessary.
References
[edit]Céline Masson; Caroline Eliacheff; Jean Szlamowicz; Thierry Delcourt; Pamela Grignon (May 6, 2024). "Pubertal Sexualization Anxiety: A New Clinical Proposition". Observatoire La Petite Sirène.
Pamela Grignon (2024). "PSA - Conceptualization". Observatoire La Petite Sirène.
Philippe Gutton (2006). "The Knowledgeable Puberty". Adolescence. 60: 347–360.
