Pubertal status and body image: An inquiry into experiences of adolescents in Ghana and Kenya

IF 4.6 2区 心理学 Q1 FAMILY STUDIES
Sheriffa Mahama, Karina Weichold, Nora Fehmer, Eunice N. Mvungu, Misaki N. Natsuaki
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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.

青春期状况与身体形象:对加纳和肯尼亚青少年经历的调查
本研究采用混合方法设计,调查肯尼亚和加纳青少年的青春期经历,以及性别、原籍国、青春期状况和身体形象评价之间的关系(N = 86;加纳 = 46,肯尼亚 = 40,52.9%为 13-14 岁女性)。定性结果显示了七大主题:青春期意味着成长和向成年过渡的一个普遍时期,但也会引起羞耻、焦虑和尴尬等负面情绪;在青春期与同龄人保持一致很重要,知道生活中的其他人也同样经历青春期会让人感到安心。定量结果显示,青春期状况和身体形象在性别和国家方面存在显著差异。与肯尼亚青少年相比,加纳青少年的青春期状况更成熟,对身体形象的评价也更积极。调节分析结果显示,在肯尼亚样本中,青春期后的男性比青春期前的男性对身体形象的评价更差,而在女性样本中,青春期后的女孩比青春期前的女孩对身体形象的评价更积极。在加纳样本中没有观察到这种影响。研究结果突出表明,在了解青春期过渡时期的身体形象时,有必要考虑背景因素,以帮助确定相关的保护因素,从而采取可能的干预措施。研究结果肯定了在非洲背景下对青少年进行积极的身体形象宣传的重要性,并建议有必要开展更全面的性教育,其中包括针对不同性别的内容,以帮助消除对青春期的恐惧,从而防止可能出现的适应问题。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.90
自引率
8.30%
发文量
97
期刊介绍: Multidisciplinary and international in scope, the Journal of Research on Adolescence (JRA) significantly advances knowledge in the field of adolescent research. Employing a diverse array of methodologies, this compelling journal publishes original research and integrative reviews of the highest level of scholarship. Featured studies include both quantitative and qualitative methodologies applied to cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development and behavior. Articles pertinent to the variety of developmental patterns inherent throughout adolescence are featured, including cross-national and cross-cultural studies. Attention is given to normative patterns of behavior as well as individual differences rooted in personal or social and cultural factors.
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