Cultural Perceptions and Practices around Menarche and Adolescent Menstruation in the United States

Abstract

This overview details the persistence of negative characterizations of the menstrual cycle as a feature of the current cultural context in which girls begin menstrual life in the United States. In addition, research on girls' current menstrual attitudes and experiences within this context are reviewed. Current research suggests that girls are not very knowledgeable about menstruation, and that menstrual education continues to provide girls with mixed messages, such as: menstruation is a normal, natural event, but it should be hidden. Girls' attitudes and expectations about menstruation are negatively biased and have been found to contribute to self-objectification, body shame, and lack of agency in sexual decision-making. Although preparation has been found to be associated with more positive menarcheal and menstrual experiences, specificity about what constitutes "good" preparation has not been well articulated. Implications for promoting the menstrual cycle among young girls as a vital sign in service of monitoring their health are discussed.

Emotional and Psychosocial Aspects of Menstrual Poverty in Resource-Poor Settings: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Adolescent Girls in an Informal Settlement in Nairobi

“…The impacts of psychosocial problems with menstruation during adolescence have developmental implications that may continue into adulthood. For example, there is evidence that negative experiences of menarche are associated with menstrual shame and negative body image in adulthood, which in turn can undermine sexual negotiation and lead to sexual risk taking (Schooler, Ward, Merriwether, & Caruthers, 2005;Stubbs, 2008). As Sommer (2009a) points out, girls in resource-poor settings experience the challenges of adjustment to puberty in a social and economic context that makes it hard for them to manage the potentially stigmatizing aspects of menstruation in private.…”

“…Researchers have examined preparation and support before and during menarche, girls' experience of menstruation, and positive adjustment to puberty (Chang et al, 2010;Greif & Ulman, 1982;Koff & Rierdan, 1995;McPherson & Korfine, 2004;Ruble & Brooks-Gunn, 1982;Swenson & Havens, 1987). They have also found that emotional support and access to information about puberty can help young people to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for avoiding sexual risk taking (Short & Rosenthal, 2008;Stubbs, 2008). Similar research is very important in contexts where there are taboos against parent-child communication and limited access to information as in many resource-poor settings.…”

“…Similar research is very important in contexts where there are taboos against parent-child communication and limited access to information as in many resource-poor settings. Researchers in the United States have found evidence that negative experience of menarche are associated with menstrual shame and negative body image in adulthood, which in turn can undermine sexual negotiation and lead to sexual risk taking (Schooler et al, 2005;Stubbs, 2008). Researchers could consider whether the relationships between menstrual poverty and body shame contribute toward sexual risk taking among adolescent girls and women in resource-poor settings.…”

Antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea

“…In Mexico, the cultural stereotype of menstruation is a negative one (Marván & Trujillo, 2010;Marván et al, 2002). In the United States, girls' attitudes and expectations about menstruation are also negatively biased (Stubbs, 2008). Forty percent of women in the United States, as in Western Europe, would stop their period if they could (Aubeny, 2007;Edelman et al, 2007).…”

Komunikasi Orangtua-Remaja Dan Pendidikan Orangtua Dengan Perilaku Seksual Berisiko Pada Remaja

“…Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas kedekatan antara orangtua-remaja akan membuat remaja lebih banyak menghabiskan waktu bersama keluarga dan menghabiskan sedikit waktu bersama teman-temannya (Hardway, 2006) Komunikasi antara orangtua-remaja yang baik membantu remaja untuk memperoleh pengetahuan dan keterampilan yang diperlukan untuk menghindari perilaku seksual berisiko (Short, 2008;Stubbs, 2008).…”