Adolescent Sexuality and Risk Factors Essay

Adolescence is that period between childhood and adulthood, when the adolescent is discovering his or her own individuality and dealing with the transition. It is also a time of becoming more cognisant of sexuality and establishing patterns for future relationships. Those identifying as non straight person i.e. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT), face steady more challenges than their heterosexual counterparts.One challenge is their wellness. Russell and Consolacion (2003) conducted a study on the topic of romance and emotional health of adolescents. The authors reason out that youth who had same-sex attractions and who were non in relationships showed increased measures of anxiety and depression. They also had more suicidal ideation than heterosexual youth. The dangers of smoking are well researched and documented. Easton, Jackson, Mowery, Comeau and Sell (2008) in their study concluded that same-sex and bisexual youth are at greater assay for tobacco plant use. Th e Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that increased stress level, mental health and other physical health problems are common among LGBT youth (CDC, 2011).beam (2006) in a study of homelessness among LGBT youth notes that they face a fig of problems in additional to being homeless. They are at increased risk of mental health issues, high risk sexual behaviour to nutriment themselves, substance abuse and victimisation.Education is important and LGBT adolescents face challenges in this area. many of them are likely to be runaways so their education suffers as they are absent from school for long periods. Himmelstein & Brckner (2011) noted that these junior the great unwashed were also at risk for being more severely punished at school and in the justice system. They are also victims of furiousness and discrimination at school, often being bullied, teased and harassed (LGBT blustering(a) n.d.).Counsellors working with adolescents who are LBGT must be sensitive to the feelings of uncertainty, rejection and fear that these young people are experiencing.