Mothers communication with daughters regarding pubertal changes: A Study in Jammu District

Communication is central in all relationships and interactions. Effective communication is particularly important when a child reaches adolescence. A girl needs a tutor when she is passing through the stage of puberty as she is not aware about it. Many young girls in our country may lack appropriate and sufficient information regarding pubertal changes, causing incorrect unhealthy behaviour during this period. So the present study was planned with the objective to study mothers communication with daughters regarding pubertal changes. For the present study, sample of 400 mothers of adolescent girls was identified from Jammu city. Self devised Interview schedule was used to gather the relevant information. Findings of the study revealed that information regarding puberty was provided by some mothers while majority of mothers had not prepared their daughters for puberty with the fear that they will attain early puberty. Communication gap and lack of time were also found to be others reasons. Friendship with opposite sex, coming home late and going out with friends etc. were certain restrictions which were imposed on the adolescent girls by their mothers after attaining pubertal changes. Regarding hygienic practices, taking bath daily and using of disposable pads were the most suggested activities by the mothers during menstruation. Moreover, mothers also communicate about various beliefs associated with menstruation and gave reasons for the superstitions and beliefs related to menarche from hygienic, cultural and scientific point of view.