‘Big Girls, Big Concerns’: Pubertal Transition and Psycho-Social Challenges for Urban Adolescent Females in Pakistan

Abstract

At the onset of puberty, adequate knowledge about pubertal changes enables adolescent females to effectively cope with pubertal challenges. This study examines the perceptions, feelings and experiences of urban adolescent females in Pakistan related to the onset of puberty. In-depth interviews were conducted with the adolescent females studying at private sector colleges located in higher socio-economic neighborhoods of Lahore city. The study found that the inadequate knowledge about various pubertal events led the majority of the participants towards unpleasant experiences of menarche and body changes at the initial phase of their puberty. Lack of awareness caused fear, depression and anxiety in adolescent females. Various agents of socialization that adolescent females used to acquire information about pubertal issues include family, peers and internet. In the absence of guidance from family members and teachers, media nowadays is the most accessible source for acquiring information. The study recommends that the effective participation of parents and teachers is needed for imparting awareness among adolescent females for their preparedness to deal with the challenges of puberty.