The Impact of Pubertal Signs on Body Appreciation and Loneliness in Adolescent girls : A Cross-Sectional Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Quantitative and Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 Psychiatric Nursing Department, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Medical Surgical Nursing Department School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/ebcj.2026.88391.3144

Abstract

Background: Adolescent girls face unique challenges regarding body appreciation and loneliness, often intensified by developmental changes like puberty. Understanding this interplay is essential for effective interventions.
Aim: This study was conducted aimed to investigate impact of pubertal signs on body appreciation and loneliness among middle school girls in Neyshabur.
Method: cross-sectional study was conducted on 281 middle school girls aged 13–15 years in Neyshabur. The statistical population included all female middle school students in Neyshabur during the 2023–2024 academic year. A school was selected using two stage simple random sampling, and all available students who met the inclusion criteria; Eligible participants were unmarried girls with normal body mass index, willing to participate, and with no psychiatric history. Pubertal signs were identified based on menstrual experience reported in the demographic questionnaire. Data were collected using demographic form,Body Appreciation Scale 2(BAS 2), and UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3(LS3). Data were analyzed by SPSS-25 software. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A significant difference in age and BMI was found between groups with and without signs of puberty(p<0.001). However, after controlling for these factors, no significant difference in body appreciation or loneliness was observed(p>0.05). A significant negative correlation was identified between loneliness and body appreciation in both groups.
Implications for Practice: Puberty alone may not determine body appreciation or loneliness, emphasizing the need to explore social and environmental influences. Supportive family interactions and school based educational, counseling, and peer programs may reduce loneliness and enhance body appreciation, contributing to better adolescent mental health.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Evidence Based Care

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 March 2026

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics