Psychological Outcomes of Early Puberty among Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The current research was conducted to explore the psychological outcomes of early puberty among adolescent girls.

Methodology: Researchers followed cross-sectional research design and random sampling technique in our research. Participants (N=204) were approached from six different grades (i.e. from grade 5-10) and two different schooling systems (i.e. public sector and private sector). Age of the participants was 11-16 years. We administered Urdu versions of Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry 1992), Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ; Moos, 1968), and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) along with detailed demographic sheet.

Findings: Results of Pearson Product Moment correlation showed that MDQ had a significant negative correlation with internalizing psychological problems(r= _.161, p<.05), however it was positively correlated with externalizing (r = .228**, p < .01). Regression analysis revealed that two of the subscales of MDQ i.e. Negative Affect and Water Retention significantly predicted DASS in subsequent steps, whereas MDQ total, Water Retention and Autonomic Reaction significantly predicted Aggression among participants. Group comparison for pubertal onset on independent sample t-test revealed a significant mean difference on Negative Affect and Arousal subscales of MDQ and on Depression subscale of DASS. Results of ANOVA revealed that the girls with the feelings of ambivalence and detachement for their fathers had more severe problems of MDQ depicted in the subscales of Concentration, Pain and Arousal than those who were securely attached with fathers.

Implications: These results offer significant evidence regarding possible high-risk behaviors among girls and support future intervention possibilities.