J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2012 Dec;23(4):405-414. 10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.405.

Sexual maturation, Body image, and Self-esteem among Girls of Lower Grades in Elementary School

• Roh SY
• Kim K

• KMID: 2292784
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2012.23.4.405

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the sexual maturation, body image, and self-esteem of Korean elementary school girls with symptoms of precocious puberty compared to those with no symptoms of precocious puberty.
METHODS
The subjects were 309 girls of lower grades in elementary school. Tanner's Sexual Maturation Rating (SMR), Self Image Scale, and Self-esteem Scale were utilized to determine the presence of symptoms of precocious puberty, body image, and self esteem. Collected data were analyzed by Chi-square test, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA using the SPSS/WIN 17.0 program.
RESULTS
The percentage of the girls with breast development was 14.9%. Breast development usually began in the third grade (56.5%). Of the subjects, 0.3% were experiencing menstruation. Breast development was related to grade, age, height, weight, and a cause of worry. There was a significant difference of body image between girls with breast development in the first grade and in the second grade.
CONCLUSION
An effective intervention that can improve the self-image of children with symptoms of precocious puberty should be developed to prevent and treat physical and mental problems related to sexual maturation.

Keyword

Sexual maturation; Body image; Self concept

MeSH Terms

Body Image
Breast
Child
Female
Humans
Menstruation
Puberty, Precocious
Self Concept
Sexual Maturation