title: Symbols of menarche identified by African American females.
abstract: This study was conducted to identify and describe symbolic themes of menarche. The qualitative case study design was used with a purposive sample of 30 participants (15 mothers and their 15 daughters) in answering 2 questions: (a) How do 9- and 10-year-old African American girls view the meaning of their menarcheal flow?, and (b) How do African American mothers view the meaning of menarche? Data were collected through interviews 2 to 5 days after completion of menarche. A cross-case comparison analysis of the interviews revealed 4 themes: (a) vaginal bleeding, (b) sexual maturation, (c) premenarcheal sexual activity, and (d) sexual payback to fathers. With the exception of the latter all themes were supported in earlier studies of Euro-American girls. These findings indicate the need for further research addressing self-concept at menarche, impact of menarche on family relationships, and views of fathers about sexual payback as a symbol of menarche.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
authors.forename: Dorothy J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hawthorne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008572:Menarche / Q000523:psychology*; D002666:Psychology, Child; D013561:Symbolism