Perceptions of pubertal timing relative to peers: Comparison targets and social contexts of comparison.

Abstract

In studies measuring pubertal timing multiple ways, perceived timing relative to peers is more strongly associated with adverse outcomes in girls. However, girls' comparison targets (those to whom they compare) and the contexts in which comparison occurs is unclear. This study examined perceived relative pubertal timing to identify the comparison target (ethnicity-race) and the contexts (schools, neighborhoods) of these comparisons. We assessed perceived relative pubertal timing in a diverse sample of 511 late-adolescent girls aged 17-19 years (49% White) recruited from a range of U.S. universities. Girls more often made in-group comparisons. Latina, Asians, and Middle Easterners were more likely to use White comparisons than Blacks. Latinas also more often used Black comparisons, and Latina and Whites more often used Asian comparisons. Early developers (collapsed across ethnicity-race) more often used Latina and Black comparisons. There were no significant differences based on ethnicity-race or pubertal timing groups on the context of comparisons. The study findings support the similarity hypothesis tenet of social comparison theory, such that most girls compare their development with other girls within their own ethnic-racial group, and limited out-group comparisons occur. Moreover, comparison contexts often take place in classrooms/schools. Given research is scant regarding the mechanisms that link puberty and negative outcomes, this study offers new insights into potential social mechanisms for future research to explore. Greater attention might be placed on ethnic-racial identity exploration and critical media literacy to help pubertal girls explore the role of media in their identity development and body ideal. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).