Introduction
Middle childhood is an essential stage in which individuals continue learning more about the environment around them, themselves, and their peers. While multiple domains are addressed during this particular stage, which encompasses children aged 6 to 12, it is crucial to address sexuality as a doctor who is heavily influenced by the changes in bodies and behavior experienced by children and pre-teens in particular. In this paper, sexuality in middle childhood will be reflected upon through the implementation of existing literature and evidence on the topic and individual commentary on the subject.
The Importance of the External Environment
It is vital to point out that while children within the middle childhood stage are not reliant on parents to survive, they have not yet reached sexual maturity. One of the aspects highlighting this factor is the significant influence of the external environment. Researchers mention that the implications of one’s environment shape sexuality through the dependence between the two elements. Namely, growing up in dangerous settings is more likely to lead to early reproduction and promiscuity (DelGiudice, 2017).
On the other hand, individuals in the middle childhood stage who experience safe and stable environments are less likely to engage in the aforementioned behavior patterns. In my opinion, the statement correlates with truth, as middle childhood is linked to further development. Thus, as sexuality is not fully formed yet, external factors certainly impact how it progresses. Moreover, the learned behavior indeed arises from the environment. Thus, an example of rewarded behavior may be perceived as the positive implications of early reproduction if the same pattern is observed in individuals within the environment.
The Shaping of Sexual Maturity
As mentioned previously, sexual maturity is not yet shaped during middle childhood, but it is crucial to acknowledge that, during this stage, it is shaped. For example, researchers highlight that children receive feedback from peers regarding their first sexual attractions and patterns of behavior (DelGiudice, 2017). As a result, based on the feedback that is received, future exemplifications of sexual behavior are impacted.
This is linked to how one will operate in terms of further attractions. From my point of view, the statement highlights a similar conclusion to the one mentioned previously. Namely, as the person develops, their interests, actions, and exemplifications of specific desires are impacted by how the external environment rewards them. Thus, the truthfulness of the idea that sexual behavior is shaped during middle childhood aligns with the overall element of the importance of learning during this life segment, including regarding one’s sexuality.
The Intensification of Sexual Differences
Another aspect of middle childhood is the intensification of sexual differences. Current literature highlights that as the aspect is maximized, the result is an increase in sexual selection (DelGiudice, 2017). As a result, romantic interests are first linked to this life period. I agree with the researchers, as it is evident that as sex differences are more prominent, acknowledging them leads to the subconscious perception of said differentiation as a characteristic of selection. Namely, the emphasized changes correlate with how one perceives their peers, particularly evident in middle childhood.
Conclusion
Middle childhood is the stage in which sexuality, while not reaching maturity, is shaped into the patterns of behavior and selection processes that will further persist in one’s life. Namely, the interactions with the environment, the requirement of feedback from peers, and the intensification of sex differences are significantly vital concerning sexual development. As a result, it can be stated that this life period is that of learning, discovering, and shaping one’s future concerning sexual maturity.
References
DelGiudice, M. (2017). Middle childhood: An evolutionary-developmental synthesis. Handbook of Life Course Health Development, 95–107. Web.