Premenarcheal predictors of the experience of menarche: A prospective study

Abstract

The goals of this study were (1) to assess, with a prospective design, the impact of premenarcheal menstrual attitudes and personality attributes for menarcheal experience and (2) to assess the relative strength of these variables, in relation to menarcheal timing and preparation for menarche, for predicting menarcheal experience. The subjects were 92 girls, who changed from preto postmenarcheal between two test occasions, 6 months apart. When premenarcheal menstrual attitudes and personality attributes were examined independently, results revealed that affirmation, a menstrual attitude, and depression significantly predicted emotional response to menarche. When these two variables were examined, together with preparation and timing variables, the two significant predictors of menarcheal experience were preparation and affirmation. The results provide direction for, and optimism about, the potential efficacy of menstrual education in promoting more positive menarcheal experience.