title: Two noninvasive methods to measure female maturation.
abstract: Data from a sample (n = 278) of female subjects, ages seven-13, from a cross-sectional study were used to compare two methods of measuring maturation. The methods were self-assessment of secondary sex characteristics and prediction of adult height. Breast and pubic hair assessments were correlated significantly (r = 0.615 and r = 0.696, p less than 0.001) with predicted adult height estimates, indicating the practical use of either method. Assessment of maturation in childhood is strongly recommended to further understanding of the timing and sequence of physical, physiological, social, and behavioral characteristics of children during growth and maturation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D001940:Breast / Q000254:growth & development; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D012649:Self Concept; D012741:Sexual Maturation