Assimilation of Sexual Identity in Adolescence

Adolescence is characterised by large-scale changes in physiological, psychological and social development of personality, including intensive puberty and awakening of sexual urges. In this study, we focus on the processes of formation and assimilation of sexual identity in adolescence. Difficulties in formation of sexual identity can lead to disruptions in gender role behaviour, hardships in interpersonal relationships, sexual dysfunction and mental disorders. Timely identification and correction of such difficulties can prevent their negative impact on the further psychosexual development of the personality. This is especially relevant in connection with an increasing number of cases of sexual problems in our clinical practice, which negatively affect not only sexual life of a subject, but also other aspects of their activity. The purpose of the study was to analyse the process of assimilation of sexual identity in adolescence. The following tasks were set: to study psychoanalytic theories concerning the problems of identity, psychological tasks of adolescence, to consider psychoanalytic concepts and approaches to understanding of sexual identity, factors and mechanisms of its formation, the features of this process in adolescence. As a result of this study, the hypothesis was confirmed: adolescence is fundamental in the assimilation of a mature sexual identity.