During puberty, rising hormone levels contribute to an activation of sexual sensations and erotic thoughts and dreams for boys and girls. John Money in ig8o described the role of hormones as follows: “the correct conception of hormonal puberty is that it puts gas in the metaphorical tank and upgrades the model of the vehicle, but it does not build the engine nor program the itinerary of the journey.”
The relationship between pubertal hormones and sexual behavior is shown in the finding that boys who undergo “late” puberty (around ages fifteen or sixteen) generally have less and later teenage sexual activity — including masturbation and intercourse — than boys who have “early” puberty (around ages twelve or thirteen). Kinsey and his colleagues pointed out this pattern and we have some preliminary data showing that it is probably true. If testosterone levels of the pubertal boy increase the frequency or intensity of erections, for example, he may possibly have a heightened awareness of sexual sensations. Increased testosterone in the blood may also influence the brain, itself to activate sexual feelings or thoughts or to lower the threshold for external triggers that activate such feelings or thoughts. Boys with higher testosterone levels, then, are more likely to be more physically developed and sexually active. Shorter, less muscular, later-maturing boys may experience a social handicap. While having sexual feelings, they may feel less confident about their abilities and therefore “lag” in sexual behavior.
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