EVOLVING SELF-IMAGE, PUBERTAL MANIFESTATIONS, AND PUBERTAL HORMONES -PRELIMINARY FINDINGS IN YOUNG ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Purpose: Recent studies indicate that negative self-image increases in white females during early adolescence. This study was designed to ex amine the effects of physical and hormonal change during puberty on ev olving self-image. Methods: The study sample consisted of 54 girls age d 10-14 yrs (mean 12.2 +/- 0.9). Evaluations at baseline and one-year follow-up included the Self-Image Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (SIQYA), physical examination, and assays of serum FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEAS. Tanner stage was assessed separately for bre ast and pubic hair, and the girls were classified as early-, mid-, or late-maturers for each. Results: Pearson correlations between baseline and follow-up scores on the nine SIQYA scales ranged from 0.28-0.72 ( P < 0.05); three scales demonstrated declining function (P < 0.05). At baseline, 39 girls (72%) were pre-menarcheal compared to 27 (50%) at follow-up. Mean body mass index (BMI) increased from 18.62 +/- 2.38 to 19.01 +/- 1.84 (P < 0.001), Tanner stages each increased by one, and pubertal timing did not change. LH and testosterone increased (P < 0.0 5) over the year, DHEAS decreased (P < 0.01), and FSH and estradiol di d not change. Stepwise linear regression revealed that change in breas t stage was positively correlated with change in Body Image score and change in Adjustment score (beta weights 0.46 and 0.41, respectively). Change in testosterone was negatively correlated with change in Adjus tment score (beta weight of -0.46). After controlling for baseline sco re, change in breast stage was positively correlated and FSH was negat ively correlated with follow-up Body Image score (beta weights of 0.40 and -0.24, respectively). Conclusion: We conclude that the rate of br east development and FSH level have independent, opposite effects on b ody image during early adolescence.