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ABSTRACT
Menarche, unique to female adolescence is considered the most vivid and emotional laden event. It is said to be influenced by personal experience and attitude, available information and socio-cultural factors. The present study was undertaken to understand menstruation as an experience for adolescent girls from a psychological perspective. The study was undertaken in Bengaluru urban district. Qualitative data was collected and examined using thematic analysis. The results were organised into broad themes and sub-themes reflecting the key research questions: thoughts and feelings of an adolescent girl at menarche, and the influence of socio-cultural factors on the experience of menarche.
Key words: Menarche, Thoughts and feelings at menarche, Qualitative study.
INTRODUCTION
Menarche is a hallmark indication of sexual maturity unique to female adolescence, unlike other pubertal changes which are gradual and continuous. It is a marked event with a sudden and dramatic onset. It has also been considered an emotion laden event for women across cultures. Koff and Rierdan (1981) "Menarche is an intensely experienced, highly significant and potentially traumatic event." (Pp.156-157) Ruble and Brooks-Gunn (1982) have mentioned that adolescent girls displayed both anxiety and excitement post menarche.
The experience of menarche has been influenced by several factors such as: the type of information made available, Koff and Rierdan (1995) have illustrated from their empirical study that education about menstruation needs a focus shift. Apart from addressing the biological cause and hygiene aspects of menstruation, it will be beneficial to include emotional support prior to menarche and during menstruation. Many studies have shown that when adolescent girls had prior information about menstruation they accepted menarche more positively. The third factor pointed out to the influence of the primary informant, identified as the significant person who acquaints the adolescent girl to the subject of menstruation. Research has shown that for most adolescent girls it is usually the mother, followed by other significant female members of the family, and sometimes friends and peers. Studies have mentioned that the mother's attitude and beliefs about menstruation, awareness and knowledge plays an essential role in the establishment of the adolescent girl's knowledge, awareness and attitude towards menstruation. Psychosocial factors related to menarche indicate that response to menarche is a learned behaviour. The adolescent's interaction with her social environment shapes...