Sweet 16 and Never Been Kissed? Experiences from a Longitudinal Norwegian Study (Report‪)‬

Introduction Human sexuality is shaped by cultural context and historical period. In interaction with their culture and society, people learn and internalise sexuality's various expressions. Nordic sexual culture is different from that of the majority of other Western societies and cultures (Lewin et al., 2000; Kvalem & Tren, 2000). These differences in sexual culture are historically rooted, and connected to a well-integrated ideology about equality between individuals, and groups of individuals. Due to this historical development, there are probably less social restrictions upon adolescent sexuality, and in particular female sexuality, in the Nordic countries compared to other Western countries. Most adolescent boys and girls in Norway, as in the other Nordic countries have their first intercourse when they feel mature enough for sex (Tren & Kvalem, 1996a; Kvalem & Tren, 2000; Helmius, 2002). Feeling mature enough for sex is related to being in love, and having a committed relationship, which has lasted for some period of time, usually some months.