The article begins with a critical look at the existing literature explaining self-injury by people with significant learning disabilities and self-harm by those with mental health difficulties. It suggests that the different conceptualizations are perhaps less distinct than might initially appear, and that behavioural similarities between those…

Discusses impact of defining homosexual orientation on development and identity formation of youths who "come out" during adolescence. Four dimensions are presented: recognizing oneself as lesbian or gay, exploring sexual orientation through the gay and lesbian community, disclosing sexual orientation to others, and becoming more comfortable with…

Reviews developmental models for understanding adolescence as they might be applied to emerging sexuality and the challenges and risks that may be associated with different sexual orientations and identities. Models have been identified as: cumulative events or simultaneous change, accentuation, or trajectory models. Models have been useful in…