Development of Sexual Behavior

Stages of Development: Infancy

“Sexual Response”

Infants undergo a dramatic physical and psychological development within a short time. They may very early become capable of basic „sexual responses“, and some may even experience orgasm. At the age of two, they have usually learned to use their hands for exploring the world and their own bodies. Within another few months, they can also be expected to gain control over their bladder and bowel movements. This, in turn, helps them to develop a sense of independence, and - if they are not interfered with - they may also begin a pattern of deliberately stimulating their sex organs.
This does not mean that their experiences are comparable to the erotic behavior of adults, but it means that the biological potential for it can often be detected early on. For infants and small children, their various pleasurable physical experiences are not yet clearly identified and neatly compartmentalized. Children learn only gradually which actions and feelings are “sexual” and which are not. They learn this from a general cultural script transmitted to them by their parents, relatives and other adults.