Describe sexual harassment and dating violence in adolescence.
Describe the contraceptive behaviour of adolescents and be aware of the most commonly used methods of birth control.
Understand the prevalence as well as the psychological consequences sexual abuse during adolescence.
Describe research into same-sex attraction, homosexuality, and bisexuality
Understand the characteristics of both ineffective and effective sex education programs.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Understanding Sexual Harassment and Dating Violence in Adolescence
Sexual harassment and dating violence are unfortunately prevalent issues that affect many adolescents. These behaviors can have significant negative impacts on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of those involved. This section will provide an overview of sexual harassment and dating violence in adolescence, highlighting their definitions, prevalence, and consequences.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. It can occur in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and social gatherings. In the context of adolescence, sexual harassment often takes place within peer relationships or in educational institutions.
Some common forms of sexual harassment in adolescence include:
Verbal harassment: This includes derogatory comments, sexual jokes, or explicit conversations that are meant to belittle or demean an individual.
Non-verbal harassment: Unwanted touching, sexual gestures, or displaying explicit material can constitute non-verbal sexual harassment.
Cyber harassment: With the rise of digital communication, adolescents are increasingly vulnerable to online sexual harassment, such as sexting, cyberbullying, or sharing explicit images without consent.
The prevalence of sexual harassment in adolescence is alarming. According to studies, a significant number of adolescents experience some form of sexual harassment during their school years. The consequences of sexual harassment can be severe, leading to emotional distress, decreased academic performance, social isolation, and long-term psychological consequences such as anxiety and depression.
Dating Violence
Dating violence refers to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse within a romantic relationship. It can occur in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships and encompasses a range of behaviors aimed at exerting power and control over a partner.
There are three main types of dating violence:
Physical violence: This involves acts such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or any form of physical harm inflicted on a partner.
Emotional/psychological abuse: This includes behaviors such as humiliation, constant criticism, controlling behavior, intimidation, or threats to harm oneself or others.
Sexual violence: This encompasses non-consensual sexual acts, coerced sexual behavior, or any form of unwanted sexual contact.
The prevalence of dating violence among adolescents is a significant concern. Research indicates that a substantial number of teenagers experience some form of dating violence during their relationships. The consequences of dating violence can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may suffer from physical injuries, emotional trauma, low self-esteem, academic difficulties, substance abuse, and an increased risk for future abusive relationships.
It is crucial to raise awareness about sexual harassment and dating violence in adolescence to promote healthy relationships and provide support for those who have experienced such abuse. Educational programs, counseling services, and policies that address these issues can help create safer environments for teenagers.
Contraceptive Behavior of Adolescents and Common Methods of Birth Control
Understanding contraceptive behavior among adolescents is essential for promoting safe and responsible sexual practices. Adolescents are at risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to factors such as experimentation with sexual activity and inconsistent contraceptive use. This section will delve into the contraceptive behavior of adolescents and highlight the most commonly used methods of birth control.
Contraceptive Behavior
Adolescents’ contraceptive behavior can vary widely due to factors such as knowledge, access to contraceptives, cultural norms, and personal beliefs. Some adolescents may engage in unprotected sex due to a lack of awareness about contraception or misconceptions about its effectiveness. Others may use contraception inconsistently or incorrectly.
Research shows that while many sexually active adolescents use some form of contraception, they often rely on less effective methods such as withdrawal or the rhythm method. Inconsistent or incorrect use of contraceptives can contribute to unintended pregnancies and the transmission of STIs.
It is essential to emphasize comprehensive sex education programs that provide accurate information about contraception and promote responsible sexual behavior among adolescents. Access to affordable and confidential contraceptive services is also crucial in supporting adolescents’ ability to make informed choices about their sexual health.
Common Methods of Birth Control
There are various methods of birth control available to adolescents. The choice of contraceptive method depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and effectiveness. Some of the most commonly used methods include:
Condoms: Male and female condoms provide dual protection against unintended pregnancy and STIs. They are easily accessible and offer a high level of effectiveness when used correctly and consistently.
Oral contraceptives: Also known as “the pill,” oral contraceptives contain hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration. They require a prescription and must be taken daily to maintain effectiveness.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs): LARCs include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants. These methods offer highly effective long-term contraception without requiring daily attention.
Depo-Provera: Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive that provides three months of protection against pregnancy. It contains progestin hormones that prevent ovulation.
Emergency contraception: Also known as the “morning-after pill,” emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy.
Natural family planning: Some individuals may choose natural family planning methods such as the fertility awareness method or tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile periods and avoid intercourse during those times.
It is important for adolescents to have access to accurate information about these contraceptive methods so they can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Additionally, healthcare providers should offer non-judgmental guidance and support to help adolescents select the most suitable method based on their individual needs.
Prevalence and Psychological Consequences of Sexual Abuse during Adolescence
Sexual abuse during adolescence is a distressing issue that can have severe psychological consequences for those who experience it. This section will explore the prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescents and discuss the psychological impact it can have on survivors.
Prevalence
Research suggests that sexual abuse during adolescence is more common than previously believed. However, due to underreporting and societal stigma surrounding the topic, obtaining accurate prevalence rates can be challenging.
Studies indicate that approximately 20% to 25% of girls and 8% to 10% of boys experience some form of sexual abuse during adolescence. This includes various forms of unwanted sexual contact ranging from non-consensual touching to rape. Perpetrators can be family members, acquaintances, friends, romantic partners, or strangers.
Psychological Consequences
Sexual abuse during adolescence can result in a range of psychological consequences that may persist into adulthood:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Many survivors develop symptoms of PTSD such as intrusive thoughts or memories related to the abuse, nightmares, hypervigilance, and heightened emotional reactivity.
Depression and anxiety: Survivors may experience depression or anxiety disorders as a result of the trauma they have endured.
Substance abuse: Adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism to deal with their emotional pain.
Self-esteem issues: Sexual abuse can negatively impact an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
Sexual difficulties: Survivors may experience difficulties with intimacy, trust, and developing healthy sexual relationships due to the trauma they have endured.
Supportive interventions such as therapy and counseling play a crucial role in helping survivors heal from the psychological consequences of sexual abuse. It is important for society to provide safe spaces for survivors to speak out about their experiences without judgment and provide them with the necessary resources for recovery.
Research on Same-Sex Attraction, Homosexuality, and Bisexuality
Same-sex attraction, homosexuality, and bisexuality are aspects of human sexuality that have been studied extensively in recent decades. Research has helped shed light on these topics from various perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Same-Sex Attraction
Same-sex attraction refers to an individual’s romantic or sexual attraction towards individuals of the same gender. Research has shown that same-sex attraction is a naturally occurring variation in human sexuality rather than a choice or pathology.
Studies have explored possible biological factors contributing to same-sex attraction. For instance:
Genetics: Research suggests that there may be genetic components involved in same-sex attraction. Twin studies have shown higher concordance rates for same-sex attraction among identical twins compared to fraternal twins.
Hormonal influences: Prenatal hormonal exposure may play a role in shaping sexual orientation. For example, variations in hormone levels during critical periods of fetal development could influence sexual orientation later in life.
Psychological research has also highlighted the importance of social factors in understanding same-sex attraction. Factors such as familial acceptance or rejection, cultural norms, and personal experiences can shape an individual’s self-identification and expression of their sexual orientation.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality refers to individuals who are exclusively attracted to members of the same gender for romantic or sexual relationships. Research has debunked previous notions suggesting that homosexuality is a mental disorder or a result of dysfunctional family dynamics.
Studies have consistently shown that homosexuality is a normal variation within the spectrum of human sexuality. The American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional organizations recognize that homosexuality is not inherently pathological but rather a valid expression of human diversity.
Bisexuality
Bisexuality refers to individuals who are attracted to both males and females romantically or sexually. Research on bisexuality has focused on understanding its distinct characteristics compared to homosexuality or heterosexuality.
Studies suggest that bisexuality is not simply a transitional phase between heterosexuality and homosexuality but rather a unique orientation in itself. Bisexual individuals face specific challenges such as biphobia (prejudice against bisexuality), invisibility within both heterosexual and homosexual communities, and higher rates of mental health issues compared to their heterosexual or homosexual counterparts.
Research continues to evolve regarding same-sex attraction, homosexuality, and bisexuality as scholars explore various factors that contribute to sexual orientation development across different cultures and societies.
Characteristics of Ineffective and Effective Sex Education Programs
Sex education plays a critical role in promoting healthy sexual behaviors among adolescents by providing accurate information about reproductive health, contraception options, consent, relationships, STIs prevention, and more. However, not all sex education programs are created equal. This section will outline the characteristics of both ineffective and effective sex education programs.
Ineffective Sex Education Programs
Abstinence-only approach: Ineffective sex education programs often focus solely on promoting abstinence until marriage without providing comprehensive information about contraception methods or safe sex practices when individuals do become sexually active. This approach does not equip adolescents with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Fear-based approaches: Programs that employ scare tactics or use fear-based messaging tend to be ineffective in promoting responsible sexual behavior among adolescents. These programs often emphasize the negative consequences associated with sex without providing accurate information about contraception or fostering open discussions about healthy relationships.
Biased content: Sex education programs that promote biased perspectives based on religious beliefs or personal ideologies hinder students’ access to accurate information about sexuality and reproductive health. Such programs may omit crucial information about contraception methods or present outdated or misleading information.
Effective Sex Education Programs
Comprehensive approach: Effective sex education programs take a comprehensive approach by providing accurate information about reproductive anatomy, contraception options, STI prevention methods, consent education, healthy relationships, communication skills, decision-making strategies, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and more. These programs empower students with comprehensive knowledge for responsible decision-making regarding their sexual health.
Age-appropriate content: Effective sex education programs tailor their content based on age appropriateness while considering developmental stages and cognitive abilities. They present information in a manner that is understandable for students at different grade levels without stigmatizing certain topics.
Inclusion and diversity: Effective programs recognize the importance of inclusivity by addressing diverse identities (such as LGBTQ+ individuals) within discussions on relationships and sexuality. This fosters an inclusive environment where all students feel represented and respected.
Skills-based approach: Effective sex education programs not only provide knowledge but also focus on developing skills such as communication skills, negotiation skills for consent conversations, assertiveness training for setting boundaries in relationships, critical thinking skills for evaluating media messages related to sex, decision-making skills regarding contraception use, etc.
Open dialogue: Effective programs create safe spaces for open dialogue where students feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment or embarrassment. Encouraging student participation through discussions or interactive activities helps promote engagement and deepen understanding.
