Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Clinical Perspectives 6060.3 LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX: COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CLINICIANS, PATIENTS, AND PARENTS REGARDING SENSUALITY AND SEXUALITY IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
Section snippets
Objectives
This session aims to enhance understanding of how youth communicate about sex and sexuality with their parents, and to encourage clinicians to develop their own skills and comfort in talking about sensuality and sexuality with youth and families. A key developmental task of adolescence is gaining a better understanding of one’s sexuality and identity. Physical distancing due to COVID-19 has limited the possibility for intimacy for many adolescents. Consequently, sexually explicit material may
Methods
Reviewing the most recent clinical studies while incorporating clinical examples, the presenter will discuss how open communication about sex, sexuality, and media literacy can impact mental health and sexual well-being. Sensual and sexual development is a normative process. Awareness of the bio-psycho-social strengths and vulnerabilities of an individual's sensual and sexual development, and communicating with our patients about these topics (where appropriate), can help them to integrate this
Results
After attending this program, attendees will possess tools to facilitate history taking, and to discuss sensuality, sexuality, and the importance of media literacy when using sexually explicit materials. Clinicians will gain skills to address these topics in clinical practice, supervision, and teaching, which may be lacking due to the omission of these topics in the training of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
Conclusions
Youth are turning to the internet as a primary source of sex education because they are isolated and curious. Parents may not discuss sexuality and sex with their children due to their own lack of education. Therapists may also lack comfort discussing these issues due to the lack of education and supervision. Clinicians enhancing their communication skills and comfort discussing sex, sexuality, and the importance of media literacy with youth and families will ultimately benefit the sexual