title: Comparing the self-image of prepubescent girls before and after four sessions on body awareness.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine whether increasing the knowledge of prepubescent girls concerning emotional and physiological changes would result in a more positive self-image. Eleven Junior Girl Scouts comprised the sample. The procedure consisted of pretesting with the "How I See Myself Scale" and the "Sex Knowledge Test," teaching a four-session Body Awareness Course and posttesting with pretest instruments. Body awareness of the participants was significantly increased following the course. Self-image was improved, although not significantly. Each participant indicated a strong interest in body awareness and her developing sexuality. This study demonstrates that prepubescent females need and desire factual information about their physical and emotional concerns.
mesh_terms: D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D011627:Puberty; D012649:Self Concept; D012736:Sex Education; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D012917:Social Adjustment