"Meaning" fascinates Marissa Silverman. Partly because the question "What is the meaning of "meaning"?" is not only conceptually challenging, but also because a reasonable answer would be enormously helpful to her in the pursuit of "a good" personal and professional life. So, in probing…

Is it the teacher's job to assist children in developing a healthy sexual identity in early childhood? A healthy sexual identity is developed over the course of a lifetime through the "process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs, and values about such important topics as identity, relationships, and intimacy." Teachers may feel…

Many people think it is taboo to talk about sex with children. Adults reinforce this belief when, for example, they use substitute words rather than "vagina" or "penis". They may be embarrassed to learn about children's sexual development or ask others for assistance. Although most people in US society are open about sexuality now, the topic of…

Social and economic transformations in Russia have had an influence on all spheres of society. The value orientations of young people have been influenced by the market economy, and this has led to a new type of adaptive behavior, in which preference is given to material value orientations, growth of individualism, pragmatism, and hedonistic…

For over a decade, battles have raged between conservative Abstinence Only Until Marriage (AOUM) sexuality education advocates and liberal Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) advocates. While these battles have focused on the inclusion of health information about contraception and whether or not a curriculum must advocate abstinence as the…

The role of peer counselors has become increasingly important as time and resources of professional counselors grow scarce. One midwestern institution recruited peer counselors to conduct a training program on the issues of intimacy. Students who participated in the program had favorable attitudes toward the peer counselors. (BF)

Describes workshop designed to help college-bound high school students begin to address developmental issues before matriculating. Discusses workshop activities based on Coons' (1974) description of developmental tasks of college students: resolution of parent-child relationship, solidifying sexual identity, formulation of personal value system,…