Self-concept and identified problem differences between pre- and postmenarcheal adolescents

Abstract

Examined differences in the number and types of problems as well as in self‐reported self‐concept between 232 middle and low SES pre‐ and postmenarcheal adolescents. The study also examined differences in these variables across four developmental levels of menarcheal status: Initial, Intermediate, Middle, and Established. These data were analyzed by a multiple ANOVA technique, and significant differences were found between pre‐ and postmenarcheal girls and between the two social class groups. Postmenarcheal adolescents had more problems, but were also higher on self‐concept variables. Low SES females experienced the menarche earlier than middle class SES females, had different problems, and described themselves differently on the self‐concept measures. These data were interpreted as supporting the view that menarche onset is a positive event for most young females.