Pubertal status and body image: An inquiry into experiences of adolescents in Ghana and Kenya.
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| Title: | Pubertal status and body image: An inquiry into experiences of adolescents in Ghana and Kenya. |
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| Authors: | Mahama, Sheriffa (AUTHOR), Weichold, Karina (AUTHOR), Fehmer, Nora (AUTHOR), Mvungu, Eunice N. (AUTHOR), Natsuaki, Misaki N. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Research on Adolescence (Wiley-Blackwell). Jun2024, Vol. 34 Issue 2, p257-271. 15p. |
| Subjects: | Puberty, Body image, Teenagers, Kenyans, Country of origin (Immigrants), Transition to adulthood, Gender differences (Psychology) |
| Geographic Terms: | Ghana, Kenya |
| Abstract: | The current study uses a mixed method design to investigate Kenyan and Ghanaian adolescents' experiences of puberty, and the relations between gender, country of origin, pubertal status, and body image appraisals (N = 86; Ghana = 46, Kenya = 40, 52.9% female aged 13 and 14). Qualitative results revealed seven major themes; puberty means a universal period of growth and transition into adulthood but also evokes negative emotions of shame, anxiety, and embarrassment, being in sync with peers during puberty is important and knowing that others in their lives similarly experience puberty is reassuring. Quantitative results revealed significant gender and country differences in pubertal status and body image. Ghanaian adolescents had more advanced pubertal status and more positive body image appraisals compared to Kenyan adolescents. Moderation analysis results revealed that for the Kenyan sample, post‐pubertal males had less favorable body image appraisals than their counterparts who were still pre pubertal whilst for females, post‐pubertal girls had more favorable body images than their counterparts. No such effects were observed with the Ghanaian sample. The findings highlight the need for context considerations in understanding body image during the pubertal transition to help identify relevant protective factors for possible interventions. The results affirm the importance of positive body image promotions for adolescents within the African context and suggest the need for much more comprehensive sex education with gender‐specific components to help allay fears about puberty, thus preventing the development of possible adaptation problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Research on Adolescence (Wiley-Blackwell) is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | The current study uses a mixed method design to investigate Kenyan and Ghanaian adolescents' experiences of puberty, and the relations between gender, country of origin, pubertal status, and body image appraisals (N = 86; Ghana = 46, Kenya = 40, 52.9% female aged 13 and 14). Qualitative results revealed seven major themes; puberty means a universal period of growth and transition into adulthood but also evokes negative emotions of shame, anxiety, and embarrassment, being in sync with peers during puberty is important and knowing that others in their lives similarly experience puberty is reassuring. Quantitative results revealed significant gender and country differences in pubertal status and body image. Ghanaian adolescents had more advanced pubertal status and more positive body image appraisals compared to Kenyan adolescents. Moderation analysis results revealed that for the Kenyan sample, post‐pubertal males had less favorable body image appraisals than their counterparts who were still pre pubertal whilst for females, post‐pubertal girls had more favorable body images than their counterparts. No such effects were observed with the Ghanaian sample. The findings highlight the need for context considerations in understanding body image during the pubertal transition to help identify relevant protective factors for possible interventions. The results affirm the importance of positive body image promotions for adolescents within the African context and suggest the need for much more comprehensive sex education with gender‐specific components to help allay fears about puberty, thus preventing the development of possible adaptation problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10508392 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jora.12953 |
