NCJ Number
210658
Journal
Social Work in Mental Health Volume: 3 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2004 Pages: 135-153
Date Published
2004
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings from the sexual health section of Adquest, a clinical adolescent self-assessment questionnaire, designed to elicit information from adolescents seeking mental health services to help counselors engage adolescents in conversations about their sexual health and other concerns.
Abstract
For many adults, adolescent sexuality is a highly charged, emotional issue. However, in order to provide young people with information about all aspects of sexuality and sexual behavior, it is important to offer easy access to services where they can talk openly and confidentially about their sexual experiences and concerns. In this article, findings are presented from the sexual health section of the Adquest utilized at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center (AHC) in New York City analyzing the responses to the Adquest questions relating to sex and sexuality to aid counselors in engaging adolescents in conversation about their sexual health. The study consisted of 759 adolescents presenting for mental health intake between April 1999 and April 2002. Results indicate that young persons seeking mental health counseling in an urban mental health clinic express a strong desire to talk about sex and sexuality. Significant gender and age differences were noted in desire to talk about sexuality and mediated involvement in sexual risk behaviors. In addition, having experienced forced sex was directly related to desire for counseling about sexuality. The complex set of findings presented support the view that the majority of adolescents want to be asked directly about their behaviors. These findings compel clinicians to engage all adolescents in meaningful dialogue about sex and sexuality. References