Sexuality is often mistakenly equated with sexual activity. In fact, sexuality is multidimensional and composed of gender identity, gender role, hormonal influences, cultural attitudes, life experiences, physical, psychological and moral development, and sexual response. A person's sexuality is strongly influenced by friends, parents, society, and religious beliefs. Therefore, the development of sexuality is part biological and part learned behavior.

Physical changes, puberty, sexual responses, and reproduction comprise the biological component of sexuality. Sexuality is a life-long developmental process that begins at conception. Males and females have the same sex hormones, but the difference in levels of these hormones cause changes in their bodies. Puberty refers to the period when secondary sexual characteristics are developed and ends when the ability to reproduce is obtained. This process may take anywhere from one-and-a-half to six years.

The physical changes associated with puberty usually begin around 11 years of age. In girls these...