Survey study, 2012
Do girls feel more prepared and positive about menstruation if they talk with their mother about it?
Yes. Girls who discussed the emotional side of menstruation with their mothers were much more likely to feel prepared. Feeling prepared was linked to having more positive attitudes about menstruation.
What they did
405 Mexican girls aged 12-15 who had already started their period answered a survey with three sections: general information, what they had discussed with their mothers before menarche, and their attitudes toward menstruation.
What they found
Only 39% felt prepared for their first period, even though most knew the practical facts. Girls who discussed emotional aspects with their mothers were much more likely to feel prepared. Feeling prepared was linked to holding more positive attitudes about menstruation.
What it means for you
Talking about feelings and emotions around menstruation, not just the biological facts, helps girls feel ready and develop a more positive relationship with their period. Limitation: survey only in Mexico, self-reported information, one time point.
405
Girls surveyed
39%
Felt prepared for their first period
About the study
- Original title
- Mexican adolescents' experience of menarche and attitudes toward menstruation: role of communication between mothers and daughters
- Authors
- Marván ML, Molina-Abolnik M
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 405
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2012.05.003
Topics
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