This journal entry is an analysis of the development of your “sexual self.” It should attempt to answer the question, “How did I become the sexual person I am today?” (Where and how did I learn about and develop my attitudes and values concerning sexuality?) by considering your own development as it relates to the developmental issues discussed in the text and by considering what has influenced your beliefs, attitudes, values and behavior in the area of sexuality and intimate relationships (e.g., parents, religion, culture, media, peers, experiences). It is not the case that one needs to have had intercourse or be sexually active in order to be able to write this journal entry. It is also not necessary to disclose any personal information beyond what is comfortable for you in order to write a thoughtful entry.
You may structure your journal entry any way you wish. Below are three suggestions:
Chronological—Important life events and experiences are related in chronological order and their significance to your sexual development is discussed for each event/experience. The focus should not be on the events themselves, but on how these experiences have influenced the development of your sexuality.
Categorical—Your paper may be organized around one or more themes, or aspects, of your development. Examples of developmental “themes” might be body image, self-esteem, sexual orientation, or some significant aspect of your personality (e.g., shyness, fear of intimacy). For each theme, discuss the significant life events and experiences which have contributed to your development in that area.
Major event—Sometimes a single event, experience, or relationship early in life can profoundly influence one’s sexual development. You may choose to discuss a major event or relationship, illustrating how it has influenced all major facets of your sexuality (e.g., your self-esteem, communication skills, attitudes toward relationships, family values, etc.).
Your journal entry will be graded according to the quality of thought that is evident in your writing, and the way in which you demonstrate your understanding of the course material in a creative, developmental way. The experience of writing this journal entry has been described by students as fun, difficult, amusing, challenging, painful, and enlightening, but always an exercise in personal growth.
A paragraph reflecting on your own feelings about what you’ve written makes a good conclusion to your paper. In other words: Be sure to summarize and reflect on what you learned.
Questions that may help you in thinking about and writing your journal entry:
How do your current sexual attitudes and beliefs compare to those of your parents?
How do religious/spiritual values affect your sexual values and decision making?
Do your sexual values/attitudes and choices also reflect the culture in which you were raised?
In your opinion, what is the importance of sex in an intimate relationship? What are your personal expectations for a love relationship?
What do you feel are society’s expectations of you as a male/female? How early did you start to become aware of these expectations?
How easy or comfortable was communication about sex within your family? What messages did you get about love and sex by observing your parents’ relationship while you were growing up?
What was your primary source of learning about sex and sexuality while you were growing up?
How did you feel about your body’s changes at puberty?
What did your first significant sexual experience (not necessarily intercourse) teach you about yourself?
If you have children, what would you like to teach them about sexuality?
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