THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF PUBERTAL CHANGES ON

ADOLESCENTS: THE CASE OF JIMMA UNIVERSITY

COMMUNITY SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADE (9-10)

A SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITED TO DEPARTMENT OF

PSYCHOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)IN
PSYCHOLOGY

BY:NURA KEDIR
ADVISOR : ALEMAYEHU HAILEYE

JIMMA UNIVERSITY
COLLAGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND LAW
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

JIMMA ,ETHIOPIA
MAY 2010

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All praise is due to Allah, the creator and sustainer of the universe , giving me the health
and strength to reach the present stage ,next I am profoundly thankful to my advisor ATo
Almayehu Hileye who generously contributed his precious time in assisting me in
completion of my senior essay .
In the time of writing this paper , I have witnessed the respect he has for his student in
advising and directing so I greatly thanks him from my heart. Since I dont have word to
explain his effort in helping me smarty I said to him may Allah bless you . The last not
the least grateful thanks also go to my dormitary friend who had helped me in writing
this researcher paper, Muhdin Awol and Abdulfetah Nejmu.

Abstract
Though, there are many researches have beech conducted regarding about adolescents,
social life and factors that contribute to hinder their healthy development in order to
successfully attain their secondary school and make their future life fruitful. But it is not
studied more on impact of pubertal changes. So this paper is conducted research on
psycho social impacts of pubertal changes on adolescents.
Puberty is when the process of intensified growth and maturities on and period of rapid
skeletal and sexual maturation that occurs minimally during adolescent . The change is
accompanied mainly be hormonal changes and had adverse impact both socially and
psychologically on adolescents.
The objective of this study was to asses the psychological impacts of pubertal changes on
Jima University community school students and employed descriptive research design .
50 samples of study was selected from the total of 195 students. From the collected data
it can be seen that puberty have psychological and social impact on them there was also
statistical significance difference in gender difference towards sign and symptoms of
pubertal changes .

II

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content

Page

Acknowledgment............................................................................................I
Abstract..........................................................................................................II
Table of contents .........................................................................................III
List of table ..................................................................................................IV
List of figures................................................................................................VI

Chapter One
1.1. Background of the study .........................................................................1
1.2. Statement of the problem.........................................................................3
1.3. Objective of the study..............................................................................5
1.4. Significance of the study .........................................................................6
1.5. Delimitation of the study .........................................................................7
1.6. Limitation of the study ............................................................................7
1.7. Operational definition..............................................................................7
1.8. Ethical consideration................................................................................7
CHAPTER TWO
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Psychological impacts of puberty...............................................................9
2.1.1. Puberty and self esteem .................................................................8
2.1.2 Puberty and Adolescent Moodiness ...............................................9
2.2 Social Impacts of puberty ........................................................................9
2.2.1 Puberty and family relationship .....................................................9
2.2.2 Adolescent relationship with sibling ..............................................9
2.2.3 Peer relation and puberty ..............................................................10
2.3 Puppetry and changes in pattern of sleep ................................................11
2.4 Impact of early and late maturation .........................................................11
2.4.1 Early versus late maturation among boys ............................................12
2.4.2 Early versas late maturation among girls .............................................12
III

CHAPTEER THREE
3. Methodology..............................................................................................14
3.1 Research design.......................................................................................14
3. 2 Population.................................................................................................14
3.3 Sample& sampling technique...................................................................14
3.3.1

Samples................................................................................................14

3.3.2 sampling technique.................................................................................14

3.4 . Instrument of data gathering....................................................................14
3.5 Data collection procedure .......................................................................14
3.6 . Data Analysis procedure .........................................................................15

CHAPTER FOUR
4.

Results

4.1 Back-ground information.........................................................................16

4.2 Source of information for pubertal changes ...........................................17
4.3 Adolescent reason behind establishing friendship...................................19
4.5 Problems of puberty.................................................................................21
4.5 Gender and puberty ................................................................................22

CHAPTER FIVE
5. Discussion
5.1 Attitude about pubertal change and source of information
to menu striation .....................................................................................23
5.2 Factors contribute to sex difference on the impacts of pubertal changes .24
5.3 Psychological problems during pubertal change..................................... 24
5.4 Social problems during Adolescence ......................................................25

CHAPTER SIX
6.1 Conclusion.................................................................................................26
6.2 Recommendation ......................................................................................27
References ..................................................................................................28
Appendix ........................................................................................................
IV

List of Table
Table

Page

Table 1 . Back ground information ..........................................................................17

Table 2 feeling towards puberty &source of information........................................18
Table 3 Reason for friend ship establishing of Adolescent......................................20
Table4. Adolescents perception about pubertal changes..........................................20
Table 5. Problems related with puberty....................................................................21
Table 6 Social impact of puberty .............................................................................22
Table 7 Gender different on attitudes of pubertal changes ......................................23

List of Figures

page

Fg.1 Factors contribute to sex Difference on impacts of puberty.--------------21

VI

1.1

CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Puberty is an early phase of adolescence, When the process of intensified growth and
maturation sets on (Santrock, 1999,p:185). Puberty is the period of rapid skeletal and
sexual maturation that occurs mainly during early adolescents. It is the result of
biological factors and accompanied by many hormonal, physiological and anatomical
changes which inturn produce different psychological changes such as new feeling,
understanding, and experience to works the social and physical environment .
According to Jersid,(1963) puberty is drived from pubes which is related to
appearance of hair in genital area . He again defined puberty as a term that refers to the
period during which an individual becomes capable of sexual reproduction that motivate
the series of biological changes .Puberty for female usually account when she is 9-14
years of ages where as for male usually ranges between the age of 10-17 years. The entire
process can take any where from one to six years (Fred kyoun, 2004 ).
In Ethiopia, study was conducted to determine the consequence of and an set of puberty:
the major factors controlling the on set of puberty are body weight and growth rather than
age (Corensen etal, 1959), Until heiters reaches a particular (target critical) weight. Hence
Ethiopia is developing country the adolescents time of puberty might be affected by
psycho-social impacts including biological and environmental factors. Considering these
and other factors, the age of Ethiopian adolescents to reach puberty is 16.5 -18.5 years
old. (Ategene,1992 ).

We know when a young person is going through puberty but pin pointing its beginning
and its end is difficult except for menarche, which occurs rather late in puberty, no single
marker heralds puberty (Brooks Gunn,1992). Before puberty boys and girls differ only
slightly in levels of the male and female hormone that are circulating their blood streams.
After basins this changes dramatically and levels of the appropriate sex-related hormones
increase significantly. This alteration in hormonal levels as cause psychological changes.
The facts about dramatically change are important not in them selves but in direct
influence on the behavior and personality of adolescent boys and girls (Leulla 1948:17)
This research paper tend to study about psychosocial impacts of the physical and
biological developments that takes place during puberty and the difference of adolescent
boys and girls reaction towards those bodily changes. This psychosocial importance of
physical biological developments depend manly on different factors such as the
environmental factors, the attitude of others and the perception of individual himself
towards these bodily changes (Morgan,1993).
It is clear that if puberty is developmental period characterized by other emotional
disturbance . An error impression is gained during puberty because of rapid changes with
both height and weight, changes in interest and great interest toward the opposite sex.
When changes are seen, it is easy to conclude that there are also corresponding
accelerated in all behavior in feeling emotion & personality (kuhlen,1952:8) This
problem is not specific to only a given country or continent rather it is universal problem
(Steinberg ,2005:24).

1.2 Statement of problem

Many early adolescent students who join to senior secondary school from elementary
school are affected by psychological affects that are resulting from pubertal changes
while they reach this stage. These psychological affects of pubertal change on early
adolescent students are expressed through disturbance of emotion, value, belief, and
liking and disliking of something. This emotional instability is expressed in various mood
experiences such as love, hate, being sensitive, and reacting to the events strongly. More
over body images, dating interest, and sexual behavior are affected by pubertal changes
(Santrock , 1999).
The obvious growth of children both in height and weight during puberty is noticeable
understood as a distinguishing characteristics of this period. During the early years the
saddness and strangeness of the pubertal change creates problem on early adolescents.
This development is likely to exert the psychosocial impact on behavior and attitude of
the adolescent toward them selves and the attitude of the individuals towards them.
Therefore, the study was focused on to examine psychological challenges encountered by
students of early adolescents, its, impact up on their teaching-learning process, and to
forward some possible measures to be taken so as to minimize the challenges. Thus, the
main intention of the researcher is to find out the nature of the adolescents toward their

bodily changes and different psychosocial problems they faced as a result of the pubertal
changes.
The psychosocial impact of pubertal change on adolescent is due to different factors such
as attitude, knowledge, environment, educational status of family, society and adolescent
themselves . According to study on rural adolescent girls in Ethiopia, it was found that
although girls learn how to domestic tasks from their mother, they had little knowledge of
menses of proper hygine during menstruation parent experience little interest in educating
their adolescent about puberty, menses or sexuality (David Layne 2004 .).
Toward the end, considering the above mentioned psycho-social problems of adolescents
this study will attempt to answer the following bas research questions.
What major psycho-social problems do students face during puberty?
What problem they face as a result of emotional instability and physical
appearance?
Which groups are more influenced by pubertal changes (males /Females)?
What measures could be taken to alleviate the problems?
Is there statistical deference on attitude of pubertal change b/n males /females?

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 General Objectives To identify psycho-social impacts of puberty on adolescents
students .
1.3.2 Specific objectives: To identify the challenges of students with psychological
impacts faced as a result of pubertal changes.
To identify the social problems encountered on adolescents in relation with
puberty .
To examine the attitude of the early adolescents towards puberty.
To explain why psychological & social impacts are mainly occurred during
puberty?
To find out early adolescents reaction to wards their physical development.
To explore social problems of adolescents during puberty.

1.4 Significance of the study

The importance of this research paper was target base line knowledge level of adolescents
psycho social problems as a result of pubertal changes in dealing with this problems helps
different professionals and organizations.
For instance, for the counselors the research enable them to understand the major
problem that occurs during puberty, behavioral change of adolescents, patterns of friend
ship, relation of adolescents with family and teachers which help spatially school
counselors to deal with them.
The research has also benefit psychologies to explore major biological, social, physical,.
Physiological and other changes that occurs during puberty on adolescents. In addition it
may benefit them to deal with the behavioral changes of adolescents, students and realize
the change is universal not culture based.
For social worker, the research also guides the social workers who will work directly or
indirectly with adolescents of certain community. Further more the research paper result
will also helps the researcher who will conduct his /her study on similar issue.

1.5 Delimitation of the Study

This study is delimited to 50 adolescent boys and girls in Jimma University Community
school, particularly, grade 9-10. It may not represented to the adolescents who learn in
other areas.

1.6. Limitation of the study

While conducting this research, the researcher had faced the following major limitation.

Shortage of time

Financial constraint

Some respondents was unwilling to give information

Problem of obtaining appropriate data

1.7 Operational Definition

Puberty is a period of raid skeletal and sexual maturation that occurs mainly in
early adolescent . As a result of hormonal changes and the release of gonado
trophin hormones.

Adolescent- A person who is experiencing the period of development between

child hood and adult hood this period is rapid at the time of on timing puberty.

Emotional instability Disturbance of psychological attitude and thought that

results from physical change of adolescent s physical Appearance change of
adolescents such as height , with change Voice etc.

1.8 Ethical consideration

Before the prepared questionnaire and inter views administered the consent on the
respondent will take in to consideration. This enabled them to reveal more information as
well as reliable data and the respondents answered the whole questions heartily.

CHAPTER-TWO
2. Review of Related Literature
There are different kinds of body change that occurs during puberty on adolescences,
spatially at early adolescent . During puberty the composition of the skeletal structure
also changes, bones become harder, dense (Steimbnbor2005.p.23) The impact of the
pubertal change also leads to early adolescent depression, stress, conflict with parents
and sibling and concerns about peer relationships, schools and to days world.
Rapid increase in body fat that occurs during puberty among female in early adolescent
frequently prompts young girls become overly concerned about then weight even thin
weight is within the normal range for their height and age (smolak, Levine &
Gralen,1993).

2.1 Psychological Impacts of puberty

Puberty can affect the adolescents behavior and psychological can affect the adolescents
behavior and psychological functioning in a number of different ways (Brooks gunn,
Graber & paitof,1994) . The biological changes of puberty can have direct impact on
behavior. The increase in testes from at puberty are directly linked for example to an
increase in sex drive and sexual activity among adolescent boys (Halpern, ury & Suchin
darn, 1996). The impact of hormonal changes on girls sex drive and sexual activity is
more complicated (Steinberg.2005)

Studies of psychological impact of puberty indicate that physical maturation regardless of

whether. It occurs early or late, affects the adolescents self image, self esteem, mood and
changes in partner of steep. The short term consequences of puberty may be more taxing
on adolescents family than adolescents (Steinberg, 2005).

2.1.1. Puberty and self esteem

Research suggest that puberty may be potential stress on with temporary adverse
psychological consequences, but only when it coupled with other changes that necessitate
adjustment (Simmons and Blyth, 1987).
Indeed, recent studies suggest that the impact of puberty on adolescents psychological
functioning is to a great extent shaped by the social context in which puberty taxes place
(Susman, 1997). Accordingly, the impact of puberty on psychology of mental health
varies by gender and across ethnic groups, with girls more adversely affected than boys,
and with white girls in particular, the greatest risk for developing a poor body image
(Rosenblum& lewis, 199).

2.1. 2 Puberty and Adolescent moodiness

Research have indicated that the impact of puberty on more transient states such a mood.
One reason for this focus is that adolescents are thought to be moodier, on average , than
either children or adults. One study in which adolescent mood were monitored repeatedly
by electronic pagers for example, showed that adolescent mood fluctuate during the
course of the day more than the mood of adults do which leads to different psychological
impacts on many adolescents (Larson, 1984). According to several comprehensive view
of research on hormones and adolescent mood and behavior , the direct impact is more
severe for females.

2.2. Social Impacts of puberty

2.2.1 Puberty & family relationship

Research on impact of puberty on family relation ship has pointed to a fairly consistent
pattern, namely that puberty appeared to increase conflict and distance between parents
and children (Steinberg. 2005). After the adolescents growth spurt, adolescents and their
parents do not immediately become as close as they were before the adolescents entered
puberty.
Interestingly, puberty increases the distance between their children and adolescents
(Steinberg, 1987) puberty may have also an effect on relationship in the peer group too.
One study of adolescents social net works that the people that are most likely to see and
spend time with found that adolescents who where physically mature were less likely
than their less developed peers to name adults as people who whereimportant to them and
they were more likely to name other adolescents (Gorbarino, Burstin, Raber and crouter,
1978).

2.2.2 Adolescent Relationship with sibling

The sibling relation ship in adolescence is an emotionally churched one marked by
conflict and rivalry, but also nurturance and social support (Lemberst clark-lembr 1912).
As children mature from child hood to early adolescent sibling conflict increases (Brody
etal 1994). With adolescent reporting more negatively in their sibling relation ships
compared to their relation ships with peers (Buhrmester & furman 1990).

2.2.3 Peer relation & Puberty

Regardless of the structure of norms of a particular peer group, peers plays an extremely
important role in psychological development of adolescents, problematic peer
relationship are associated with arrange of serious psychological social and behavioral
problems during puberty.
Individuals who are un popular or who have poor relationships during adolescence are
more likely than their socially accepted peers to be low achievers in school, the drop out
of high school, to have range of learning disabilities to show higher rate of delinquent

behavior and to suffer from an array of emotional and mental health problems as adults
(Salv-will ams & Berndt, 1990) . Although it is likely that poorly adjusted individuals
have difficulty making friends during the age of puberty, there is know good evidence
that psychological problems result from as well as callse problems with peers (Bagweell
Newcomb & Bukowstin 1998) as cited in Steinberg, 1999:190).
Peers also plays a critical role in promoting normal psycho social development . In the
realm of identity for instance, peers provide the sorts of modes and feed back that
adolescents can not get from adults (Browsn, 2004).
Intimacy and sexuality of course , are much more common between deert than between
adolescent and adults for a variety of reason; Perhaps most critical is both intimacy and
sexuality require interaction between two individuals who are relative equals. More over
sexual relationship and close intimacy within the family context would likely to deisturb
important functions of family relation ship (Hartup ,1977). It is there fore the adolescent
peer group that plays the control role in socializing youngsters in appropriate sexual
behavior and in developing the capacity for intimate friendship (Sullivan,1953)
Connection between hormones and mood, while apparent is not very strong (Buchanan,
Eclesr Bskr, 1992). When studies do find a connection between hormonal changes at
puberty and adolescent mood on behavior. the impacts are strongest early in puberty,
when the system is being Funned on and with hormonal levels are highly vandals
(steinberg 2005).
Even still most researcher agree that the impact of hormones at puberty changes mood
and behavior in adolescence is greatly influenced by environmental factors (susman,
1997). An excellent illustration of the way in which hormones and environment ineract at
puberty comes from the work of psychologies (Jeame) Brooks Gunn & her colloquies,
1989), who have been shying the development of psychological problems, such as
depression and aggression in youth girls around the time of puberty .As the researcher

lace point out, it is quite possible that changes in the environment in levels of stress, for
instance may affect adolescents mood (Steinberg, 2001) .

2.3 Puberty and changes In pattern of Sleep

One fascinating finding on hormones and behavior in adolescent concerns adolescents
sleep preference. May parents complain that their teenagers children go to bed too late in
the evening and sleep too late in the morning. If now appears that the emergence of this
pattern called delayed phase preference is directly related to the biological changes of
puberty (Coraseadon, Aebo,Richard son Tate serfer, 1997) . Not surprisingly slip relation
difficulties among adoles cents are also liked to the consumption of caffeine & tobacco
both which are stimulants (Pollack&Birght 2003)
Negative interaction between sibling are spatially common in families under economic
stress (conger Elder, 1994). In poorly functioning families aggressive inter changes
between on super vided sibling may provide a training ground within adolcentscent learn,
practice and pathciatsantsi and aggressive behavior (Bank,reid &Gra lay, 1954) .

2.2.4 Impact of early or late Maturation

Adolescent who mature relatively early or relatively late stand apart from their peers
physically and may as a consequence elicit different sort of social reaction and
expectation from those around them (Steinberg , 2001) . Indeed, adolescents perception
of whether they are an early or late mature more strongly related to their feeling about
physical maturation than wether they actually are early or late (Dubas Graber & porerson
, 1991) and adolescents behavior is related to how old they feel and not simply how
physically metur they actually are.

2.4.1. Early versus late maturation among boys

Research on boys pubertal timing has consistently shown that early maturating boys feel
better about themselves are more popular than their late maturating boys peers(Brooks

and Gunn, 1997). Consistent with this, boys who are physically nature than their peers
report more frequent feeling of positive affect attention strength and being in lore (Pichad
& largen,1993) Investistingly, studies of boys with delayed puberty indicate that, boys
feling of competence spatially in the realms of work and sports. In crease following the
administration of hormone treatments (Schewr etn, 2001).

However, early maturing

boys are more likely than their peers to get involved in

antisocial behavior or deviant activities. Including truaniy, minor diligence and problems
at school (Gross & consmit, 1985) and they are more likly to use drug and alcohol
engage in other risky behavior.
The impact of early maturation on adolescents antisocial behavior is comparable among
African American, Mexican America and white boys (CothproblmNeiss lowe ,2002).One
reasonable explanation is that boys who are more physically mature develop friendship
leads them in to activities that are problematic for younger boys (Steingberg,2005 p.42) .

2.4.1 Early versus late maturation in girls

The early maturation girls have more emotional difficulties than thin peers including
lowered self image and higher rate depression anxiety, eating disorders and panic attacks
(Aror and Traipale, 1987). These difficulties seems to have a great deal to do with girls
feeling about their weight, because early matures are almost by definition , havier than
their late maturing peers (Peterson 1988). Early maturing girls are also more likely to be
come involved in problem, behavior including delinquency and use of drugs and alcohol
more likely to have school problems and are more likely to experience early sexual inter
cones (Diceetial, 2001) .
To the other side, one study show all that in ballet of companies where thinness is even
more important than in the culture here at large late matures, who can retain the ideas

shape much longer than earlier mature, have few psychological problems than then even
on time girls (Books from &hem, 1985).

CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Research design
Survey research design was conducted to examine the psycho social impacts of pubertal
changes on adolescent students in Jimma town, Jimma University community school the
case of grade 9-10 adolescent students.

3.2 Population
The target population of this study are students of grade 9-10 who are attending their
education in Jimma University community school.

3.3 Sample and sampling size

3.3.1 Sample
50 students who are attending Jimma university community school would selected from
the total of 195 students (85 female and 110 male ). The sample was 50 respondents. To
examine both pubertal changes on males and females equally, the simple contain 25
female and 25 male adolescent.

3.3. 2 Sampling procedure

The sample was selected using systemic random sampling technique. In this study the
researcher used this technique so that every one who attend grade o9-10 would get equal

chance for selection and since the population of the study is homogenous or similar age
group.

3.4 Instrument of Data gathering

To collect data from respondents the researcher used questionnaires which is both open
ended and closed ended ones and more related with the problem of study . The closed
type of questionnaires give more than too alternatives to respondents to select one or
more accordingly to respondents feeling. The open ended question gave more freedom
for respondents to white his /her feeling heartly.

3.5 Data collection procedure

The researcher received permission from administrative body of the Jimma University
and Jimma university

community school to collect data. The questionnaires was

distributed to sample respondents. Finally the researcher had collected the response of
questionnaire.

3.6 Data analysis procedures

The collected data was analyzed qualitatively and qualitatively for quantitative analysis
the result obtained would presented and expressed in percentage graph & tabular form .
Finally at the end of analysis the collection hypothetical variables will be cheeked using
statistical formula like mean,t-test and other related statistical analysis. Depending on
the analysis, Interpretation, conclusion and Recommendation was given based on the
result of research study .

CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS
This Section is mainly concerned with presentation, and analysis of the finding
under investigation
Table 1 The following table presents background information of the participants
4.1 -Back -ground Information
Characteristics

Detailed

No of respondents

Percentage

Sex

characteristics
Male

fr
25

fr
50%

Female

25

50%

Total
11-14 age

50
11

100
22%

15-18

25

50%

19-22

14

28%

22-2
Oromo

26

0%
52%

Amhara

25

50%

Guraghe

12%

Tigree

6%

Other
Muslim

10
27

20%
54%

Orthodox

13

26%

Protestant

10%

Age group

Ethnicity

Religion

Catholic

Others

10%

Family monthly

<1000

8%

income

1001-2000

16%

<3000

15

30%

Parent educational

3001<
Literate

23
38

40%
76%

status

Illiterate

12

24%

According to the above table, It is observed that other dominant age group of the
participants were those who found between 15-18 years of age which accounts about
50% followed 19-22 years of age which account 28% .The other least age were those
who found 11-14 years which account 22%.From the respondents none is above 22 years
and no response is given.
On the other hand, we could understand the ethnic distribution of the adolescent
students . Accordingly, 26 of them which accounts 21.% was Oromo, Amhara 51(20%),
Guraghe (6) of them (12%), Tigree(3) 6% and other ethnic account 10 in number 20%.
It was also absolved that religious distribution of the respondents which 54%Muslim,26%
orthodox. 40% protestant, there religion which is not mentioned on the alternatives 10%
and no catholic respondents.
Regarding the family educational status of the population of the study, 76% of them were
from literate family and the rest 24% from Illiterate family. Most of the monthly family
in come is grater than 3000(46%) .2001-3000 (30%), 1001-2000 (16%) and less than
1000(8%).
4.2 Puberty and source of information
Table 2, Feeling about pubertal change and source of information n about menstruation
for female adolescents.
Age
11-14
15-18
19-22

No
11
10
4

Feeling of adolescents to wards the change

Shame
worry
No reaction
5
2
2
6
4
3
1
1
1

Others
1
-

22<

Table 3, source of information for puberty changes

Age
11-14
15-18
19-22
22<

Friend
3
8
5
-

family
3
2
-

Others media
1
2
1
-

As indicated in the table above out of 25 adolescent girls had experienced when asked
about their relation to first menustration a large number of early adolescent respond that
they were get shamed (48%), (28%) of them worried , the other (20%) experience no
reaction toward ministration only one of them (4%)showed different psychological
disturbance at the time of this change have happened .
Regarding the source of information about menuistration a large number of adolescent
girls got from their friends 16(64%), 5(20%) of them from family, and four (16%) of
them got information from other different sources such as media.
According to the discussion form above the on set of menarchey varies from one girls to
another. This variation in age can be attributed to many factors. For instance, Stainberg
(1993) stated that individuals can experienced menarchey at different ages due to climate,
race and social status the other study that hat conducted n Ethiopian rural adolescents
girls it was found that although girls learn how to domestic tasks from their mother, they
had little knowledge of menustration and little interest in educating as well as sharing in
formation . This idea which had explained under the statement of problem directly

matches with this research finding which shows only around 10% of adolescent girls got
information from their families.

Based on the above data, it can be concluded the parents are not responsible regarding
information to their girls. Even though the educational level of family of the research
respondents was 76% still they had not provided enough knowledge about biological
nature of menustration. The other reseonable case is the culture of Ethiopia did not allow
the ladies to discuss freely with their family. Parents consider that to inform the
adolescent about sex as encouraging them to wrong way and other may be from lack of
knowledge.
4.3 Adolescent and friendship
Table 4 Adolescents reasons behind establishing friendship
Relationship
opposite sex
Yes
No

with

Number

Reason for having Number of adolescents

of Adolescents
Frequency
%
29
54%
23

46%

boys /girls friend

Friendly

Frequncecy %
getting 26
52

help
Sexual inter course
Other reasons

16
8

32%
26%

As indicated in the table above, the majority of early adolescent 27(54%) have boys or
girls as friends and 23(46%) of them reported that they have no relation ship with
opposite sex. When we observe The reasons, why they need of having a boy or girl
friend, a large number of adolescents (20%) stated that they favors to help through
friendly and other respondents respond that they preferred to form relationship with
opposite sex for sexual inter cores the remaining quite a few felt to other, On the other
hand, cultures may have influence on the relationship with opposite sex this finding is the
same with (Santrok, 1999) who astated that during puberty boy and girls develop great
inlerst in sex .

Table5 respondents perception about relation of male and females pubertal changes
sex
Male
female
Both equally
Total

fr
16
29
5
50

%
32
68
10
100

The table above indicates that, the adolescent group (sex) that are more affected by
pubertal changes. Accordingly 29(58%) respondent as female are more affected 16(32%)
respond that it affect females . The neutral group that responded that the change affect
both group account 10%

Fig. 1 Bar graph factors contribute to sex difference on impacts of puberty

As can be observed from graph above , the factors contributing to sex difference on
impacts of pubertal change it explained as follows 46% (23) of the adolescents reported
that the main problem it the infuses of culture on them. 30%(15) of the adolescents
repined that the influence of educational level of the students and family, 16% (8)

students reported that the impacts of hormone and steeres related psychological & social
Biology factored account% so, the most series problem which is reported by 23 students
(40% it clure influence.
4.4 Problems of pueberty
Table 6 major problems related with pubertal changes
Item
Depressed

No of male
10

40%

Female
12

%
48%

mood
Being anxious
Eating

7
6

28%
29%

3
8

12%
32%

disturbance
Other
Total

2
25

8%
100%

2
25

8%
100%

The table indicate that the major psychological related problems that occurred as the
result of pubertal changes, accounting for male adolescents depressed mood leads all
listed problem by 40% , being anxious 28% , eating disturbance (24%), other problems
8% The problem for female have different number of frequency from male. For females,
the most frequently scored problem is depression which exceed the percent of male
students by 8% , in 48% , Anxiety 2%, eating disturbance 32% and other health related
problem account 8%.
Table 7 Social Impact of pubertal changes
Item
Isolation
Academic failure
teased by peer
Un save sex
Disagreement

Number of frequency and percentage distution

Male
%
Female
5
20
3
3
12
6
2
8
3
6
24
4
4
16
5

%
12
24
12
16
20

with family
alcoholism
Others
Total

4
1
25

8
8
100%

16
4
100%

2
2
25

As indicated above , the social impacts related with pubertal changes for male, the most
frequently occurred problem is un safe sex which 6 male students , 24% Isolation
problem 20% (5) disagreement with family and alcoholism 16% (4) academics failure
12%(3), teased by peer 8% (2) other problem 4% (1) .
For females, the most frequently occurred social impacts is academic failure 24% (6)
disagreement with family 20% (5) isolation and teased by peer 2%(3) and alcoholism and
other problems 8% (2.)
4.5 Gender and puberty
Table 8 Gender and Attitudes towards pubertal change
To see the gender difference towards sign and symptoms of pubertal changes t-test was
be utilized
Character
Mean
Sd
N

Female (x1)
22.48
3.53
25

Male (x2)
18.08
3.68
25

Total
19.74
4.5
50

t-observed 3.25 6,t-critical,=2.009 and alpha level .0.05, Bench mark 15

Interpretation :-At 0.05 alpha level of significance and 48 degree of freedom t-tests
reveal that there is statistically significance difference in attitude towards sign and
symptoms of pubertal changes on gender.

CHAPTER FIVE
5 DISCUSSION

In this section discussion and possible analysis and explanation of the result would be
illustrated.
5.1 Attitude about pubertal change and source of information to menstruation
This research indicate that, during puberty female students face psychological and social
problem . Most of them express as they react towards puberty by emotional disturbance
such as worry, shame and some of them react neutrally. These research was also
consistent with (Rubble and Brooks, 1992) .Adolescent girls attitude to wards menarche
have negative emotional consequence during puberty. Many young girls have developed
negative image of menstruation before reaching adolescents and they enter with
ambivalent attitude about menarche a mixture of excitement, shame and fear (Steinberg
1989).
The onset of puberty also have it own impact on moodiness. The adolescents several
comprehensive review of research on hormone and adolescents mood and behavior
reported that the direct connection between mood and hormone and apparent it very
strong (Buchan & Becker 1992).
On the other hand, the source of information available for adolescent was friend, the
result gained from this research indicate that 64% girls got information about pubertal
changes from their peers /friends. This indicate that the society does not responsible to
share information about.

This research finding was also consistent with the study conducted in Ethiopia found that
although girls learn how to work domestic task from their mother, they had little inerest
to inform and educating their adolescent daughters about puberty, menses or sexuality
(David layne, 2004) .

The current research depits that the average age to on set of puberty is between 15-18
years . ie 50% of the respondents of the study observed pubertal changes within the range
of 15-18 year. Thus even though the research result was not directly matched with (10.518.5) it is relatively the same with the study conducted by (David layne,2004).
5.2 Factors contribute to sex difference on the impacts of pubertal change
The result of research analysis indicate that the contributing factors for sex difference
interims of age of puberty and feeling towards secondary sexual characteristics is culture,
educational level hormone and other psychological social problem , & Biological factors.
Among the mentioned factors culture impact is the dominant one and it accounts 46%
followed by educational level, 30%, hormonal impact 15% and other factors account the
remaining 19%.

5.3 Psychological Problem During pubertal change

Depression probably the most common psychological disturbance among adolescents
(Graber, 2004, Steinberg etal , 2000). Depression has emotional symptoms including
apathy and boredom (Steinberg 1989:465). According to other about 25% of adolescents
regularly feel depressed (Avenevolf steinber, 2001) , similarly, the result of this research
also indicate that 40% of male student and 48% of female student reported as they faced
depression during adolescents.
Although a variety of nutritional and behavioral factors can lead to with gains during
adolescence gaining weight can some times result directly from physical change of
puberty. Because adolescence is a time of dramatic change in physical appearance the
young persons over all self image field to his or her body image (Stein brg 1989:63).
According to recent national surveys for example , more than 25% of adolescents in
United State over weight and about 10% are obese (kimm etal 2002, cited in 1985) .As it
was observed on these research finding eating disturbance for male is 24% and 32% for
females and there indicated that the result of analysis was consistent with the adirve
conducted in America.

5.4 Social problems During Adolescence

The impacts of puberty on family relationship has pointed to a fairly consistent pattern,
nomly that puberty appears to increase conflict and distance between family (Andersonet
al 1984). Several studies shows that as youngsters Mature from child hood toward the
middle of puberty, distance, between them and their parent increases and conflict
intensities, especially between the adolescent and his/her mother (Brooks Gunn, 1991)
The study of research analysis also supported by those above explained research finding .
As it was explained under chapter four the problem disagreement with family account
16% for male and female . The other problem like unsafe sex and alcoholism if severe for
male adolescents.
The achievement status of adolescents due to the impact of pubertal change the attitude
towards sexuality increases the achievement was decrease for female. As explained under
chapter four, academic failure accounts 24% of adolescent girls and 12% boy adolescents
On the other hand isolation, teased by peer, practice of and social behavior gambling and
other are the most problems encountered by adolescent and students spatially during
pubertal change.

CHAPTER SIX

6. Conclusion and recommendation

6.1 Conclusion
Puberty is developmental period in human growth that usually accompanied by many
challenges affecting adolescents due to the sudden occurrence of the developments in this
period. A large number of adolescent boys and girls in this research study have their own
perception to the physical appearance that they desire to have . As the study indicates
both early adolescents prefer their appearance which makes them masculine or feminine.
It seems that culture has also its own influence on adolescents interest in that the physical
structure for boys and girls appear to be predetermined.
Physical appearance that accounted during puberty has many impacts on adolescents of
which psychological and social impacts are the major dispects. The main factors that lead
to difference to or of puberty is nutrition, environment, genetic factors and etc . There is
also variation for instance among girls on set of menstruation. This could be attitbuted
factors like heredity hormone, physical exercise, climate, nutrition. Since Ethiopian
culture did not promote open discussion with family most adolescent have negative
attitude toward menarchey.
The impacts of puberty such as social, psychological, health are commonly expressed on
adolescents. Psychological impact are adolescents change of moodiness, change in
patterns of sleep, self esteem and other emotional disturbance. In addition to this,
thermals they also faced problem like depression unsafe sex, eating disturbance and
alcoholism.

6.2 Recommendation

Adolescence is dramatically change of body that accompanied with many changes .

Therefore, adolescent boys and girls should be aware of the fact that a normal for early
adolescent children to show behavioral characteristics that had not common during child
hood . And additionally, to alleviate those problems occurred during pubertal changes th
researcher would like to recommend some solution for them in order to adjust to a newly
emerging behaviors and signs of development..
Adolescents should have awareness about biopsycho social changes during
puberty . School counselors and developmental psychologist are responsible to
perform such tasks.
They should understand these changes are universal, that means the changes
are not applied to particular group of atonement and the family should reassure
them about this.
Their parent should advice the adolescents have to cope with social and
psychological disturbance of this stage.
The adolescents parent should give some educational and open discussion is to be
appreciated about secondary sexual characteristics.

Reference

1. Alen E.kazdin (200).Encyclopedia of Psychology Oxford University press. Inc

vov.1 and 5 .
2. Hellen L.Henry (2003).Encyclopedia of Hormones. University of California,
Riverside Vol.3
3. Heiman, Gray W (1995) Research method in psychology /Gray W
4. John S. Dacey, John F. Travers (2002). Human development across the life span
5th Eddition. Mc Grawhill: Botson
5. Judith worell (2000). Encyclopedia of gender. University of ketuncy, Lexington
AcCadamic press. Inc vol.4
6. Rice , F.Philip 1999). The adolescent development , relationship and culture
9th Edition .
7. Santrock J.W(1998). An introduction to adolescence 7th Edition . lowa
8. Santrock J.w(1998). Lifespan development 7th Edition Mc Graw hill: Boston.
9. Stein berg-L. (1993). Adolescence. (3rd Eddition) New York: Mc Grow Hill in .
10. Steinberg, L. (2000). Adolescence. (8th Edition) New York: Mc Grow Hill inc.

Htt:// www nebi gov/pub med /43

Htt: Puborty 101 ,com/

http:www.google. Comiet /search?

APPENDIX -I

JIMMA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND LAW
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Questionnaires to be filled by Jimma University Community school students
Objective: Dear respondents there questionnaires is designed to conduct a research to
identify psychosocial impacts of puberty changes from adolescents. For its successful
accomplishments your honest response has invaluable contribution..
General direction .
1. The questionnaire is allowed only for grade
(9-10) Jimma University community school students
2. Your response is kept contfidential and used only for this study
3. You do not need to write your name
4. You are requested to give your answer by sign for question of alternatives
5. If your answer is none in the choice fill in the provided blank space

Part I, General Background Information

1, Age

Sex

11-4

15-18

male

Female

19-22

22<

II/ Religion
Muslim

Orthodox

III/ Ethnicity Amhara

protestant
Oromo

Catholic
Guraghe

Other (specify)--------Tigre

Other (specify) -------------------IV, Parental Educational status

Literate

Illiterate

V. Socio Economic status of family monthly income

>500

501-1000

1001-1500

1500<

Part II. Information about sign related to pubertal changes

I At what ages you see menarche ejaculation?

11-14

15-18

19-22

22<

2. What is your reaction towards those sign while you face it. Like
shame

no reaction

dislike

other specify

3. What is your attitude towards menarche /ejaculation?

Positive

Negative

Neutral

4. Have you had any conformation about biological nature of pubertal changes?
Yes

No

5. If yes for question number 4, from where ?

Family

peers

media

teachers

other (specify)--------

6. What are major problems do you faced?

Depression mood

Anxiety

eating disturbances

Other (specify)--

7. How do you feel about your physical appearance and public hair?
Sad

happy

I dont worry about it

8. What is your attitude towards opposite sex?

Positive

Negative

neutral

9. If positive for question , Do you have same attitude to similar sex ?

Yes

No

10. Is there open discussion with your family regarding pubertal changes?
Yes

No

11. What are impact of those changes on your social life and academic
Isolation

accademic failure

conflict with family

social bonding

others ___________

12. Have you teased by your peer groups due to your pubertal changes?
Yes

No

13. In your opinion what measures done for the students to all aviate those impacts of
pubertal changes?
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

14. who are most probably affected by those changes ?

Male

female

Both equally

15. What factor contribute for the difference between them?

Hormonal changes

cultural influences

Educational level

Others (specify) ---------------

16. What problems do adolescents probably came across at this stage?

Unsafe sex

Alcoholism

Unwanted pregnancy

D. abortion

disagreement with peer

other specify)---------------

17. Finally what could you think about adjustment should be given to adolescent before
this impacts by pubertal changes?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part III
Measuring adolescents attitude towards puberty changes
The following items are used to measure the attitude of adolescent boys and girls towards
pubertal changes with five items and five scale of measurement the value was given for
each scale of measurement
Strongly agree (5) un decided(3) strongly disagree (1) agree (4) Disagree (2)
No Item
1
I was get shame to be tall
2

/short
I feel sad to ministration

3
4

/ejaculation
I have good attitude for sex
I dont feel good for voice

change
I feel good for beard &pubic
hair

APPENDIX -II
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Declaration
I undersigned declare that this student research is original work and has not
been presented for a degree in any other university , and all the materials
used for this study acknowledged .

_________________
Name of Student

__________________
Signature

This student research paper had been submitted for examination with my
approval as a university advisor.

___________________
Name of advisor
______________________
Examiner Name

__________________
Signature
__________________
sign