Adolescents and Intimate Relationships: Affection and Propriety

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering concepts of adolescent intimate relationships, the Triangular Theory of Love, interpersonal distances, sexual health, emotional blackmail, and legal responsibilities.

Legal age for sexual intercourse in Hong Kong

The legally established threshold of 16 years of age under Hong Kong law below which sexual intercourse is unlawful.

Biological perspective on sex

The view that 'sex' relates to the reproduction of species and is associated with gender, body structure, hormone secretion, sexual intercourse, and reproduction.

Sociological perspective on sex

The view exploring the relationship between 'sex' and society, including how it connects to societal values, norms, and systems.

Psychological perspective on sex

The view that 'sex' is connected to personal growth, human thoughts, cognition, and emotional development.

Ethical perspective on sex

The view that 'sex' relates to moral ethics and core values such as mutual respect and equality.

Triangular Theory of Love

A psychological model proposing that a balanced love relationship consists of three distinct components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Intimacy (Triangular Theory of Love)

The component of love focusing on spiritual communication, meeting each other's emotional needs, and fostering mutual care, trust, and support.

Passion (Triangular Theory of Love)

The component of love involving intense physical and sexual attraction, which alone can only sustain a relationship for a short period of time.

Commitment (Triangular Theory of Love)

The component of love reflecting dedication and determination to maintain and sustain a relationship on a solid, lasting foundation.

Theory of Interpersonal Distance

Anthropologist Edward Hall's theory proposing that people set different physical boundaries and spatial distances depending on the depth and intimacy of a relationship.

Intimate distance

An interpersonal spatial zone of $0\text{ to }46\,\text{cm}$ characterized by close proximity and physical touch, typically reserved for lovers.

Personal distance

An interpersonal spatial zone of $46\text{ to }120\,\text{cm}$ commonly maintained between family members, relatives, and close friends.

Social distance

An interpersonal spatial zone of $1.2\text{ to }3.6\,\text{m}$ typically observed between colleagues, classmates, and social acquaintances.

Public distance

An interpersonal spatial zone of $3.6\text{ to }7.6\,\text{m}$ maintained between performers and audiences or among strangers in public spaces.

Crimes Ordinance (Sexual Offences in Hong Kong)

Hong Kong legislation that establishes criminal offences and maximum penalties for non-consensual or underage sexual acts, including rape (life imprisonment), unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 (life imprisonment), and indecent assault (10 years' imprisonment).

Oestrogen and progesterone

Hormones secreted by the ovaries in females that regulate sexual development, menstrual cycles, and sexual impulses.

Testosterone

A primary male hormone released by the testicles that drives sexual maturation and regulates sexual impulses.

Sexual impulses

Natural physiological and emotional urges that arise during puberty due to sensory organ stimulation or psychological sexual fantasies.

Dating violence

Aggressive behavior within an intimate relationship intended to frighten, dominate, or coerce a partner into complying with the abuser's demands.

Psychological violence

A form of dating violence involving verbal abuse, insults, intimidation, manipulation, or threatening to leak private photographs or videos.

Physical violence

A form of dating violence involving intentional bodily harm, such as slapping, kicking, pushing, or attacking a partner with hard or sharp objects.

Emotional blackmail

A concept identified by psychologist Susan Forward in which one person uses threats, guilt, or inducements to control another partner and satisfy their own demands.

Punishers

A type of emotional blackmailer who uses explicit verbal threats or angry intimidation to force their partner to obey out of fear.

Self-punishers

A type of emotional blackmailer who forces a partner to comply with their wishes by threatening self-harm or suicide if their demands are refused.

Sufferers

A type of emotional blackmailer who showcases their own distress, loneliness, or depression to manipulate their partner through guilt.

Tantalisers

A type of emotional blackmailer who promises emotional or material rewards for compliance but continuously withholds or rarely fulfills them.

Pre-marital sex

Sexual intercourse occurring prior to marriage, which carries physical, emotional, and legal risks for adolescents and is generally disapproved of by society.

Unwed pregnancy

An unplanned pregnancy occurring outside of marriage that can derail an adolescent's educational plans, create severe emotional distress, and lead to significant financial strain.

Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs)

Infections transmitted via sexual intercourse or intimate contact—such as gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts, and HIV—that can affect internal organs, cause infertility, and against which the human body does not develop permanent immunity.

Online love trap

A fraudulent cyber scenario where an individual adopts a fabricated identity or picture to feign romantic interest, subsequently manipulating the victim into sending money or expensive gifts.