Association of Sexual Maturation and Parent-Child Communication on Maturity Fears in Elementary School Girls

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence maturity fears in elementary school girls. Methods: The participants were 118 3rd and 4th grade students from 3 elementary schools in 3 cities in Korea. Data were collected using questionnaires which included measurement scales for the relative variables and demographic data. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchial regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: The significant predictors of maturity fears were weight, father-child communication, frequency of maturity communication with father, and close relation with mother. Conclusion: For effective management of maturity fears in elementary school girls, programs including weight control, functional communication with father and supportive nurturance of mother should be developed.

Keywords

• Sexual maturation
• Communication
• Fear