[Effects of puberty on the self-concepts of adolescents].
OBJECTIVE
This research was aimed at assessing the effects of pubertal maturation on the self-image of adolescents.


METHODS
Three components of self-image have been studied: body image (physical well-being, attractiveness and efficiency), perceived relations with peers of the opposite sex, and self-esteem. A sample of 159 French boys and girls aged from 11 to 16.3 years completed self-report scales and a semantic differential. Their pubertal status was measured by school physicians in terms of Tanner stages.


RESULTS
Correlational patterns indicated stronger reciprocal links between the different components of self-image in girls than in boys. Results from regression analyses confirmed that the impact of pubertal maturation on self-image is qualitatively very different between the two sexes.
Bariaud
F
F
CNRS, service de recherches de l'Institut national d'étude du travail et de l'orientation professionnelle (INETOP-CNAM), Paris, France.
Rodriguez-Tomé
H
H
Cohen-Zardi
M F
MF
Delmas
C
C
Jeanvoine
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011606:Psychosexual Development; D011627:Puberty / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012659:Semantic Differential