Effects of Menstrual distress on Self-esteem and Psychological well-being between 11-14 year girls

Abstract

Menstruation has always been seen as a negative process although it’s just a normal physiological process. The onset of menarche or menstruation in girls is an important milestone which marks the beginning of womanhood. Right awareness and knowledge of the psychological, socio-cultural and physiological changes during menstruation and the proper management of its consequences are critical to the reproductive and sexual health of the female. The present research attempted to investigate the impact of menstrual cycle on self-esteem and psychological well-being of the girls. The study sample comprised 200 girls of 11-14 years in age from different schools located in the state of Haryana, India. Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-Being, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Comprehensive Menstrual Distress Questionnaire were used to assess psychological well-being, self-esteem and menstrual distress. The present study’s findings suggest that there was no direct impact of menstrual distress on self-esteem of the girls.