Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Allameh Tabataba'i University
2 PhD Student in Counseling, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Graduate student in counseling at Allameh Tabatabaei University
Abstract
Aim: Puberty is a period of various challenges. Despite the importance of this period and its physical, psychological, and social effects, puberty anxiety has been less studied as a specific type of anxiety that students experience on the verge of entering adolescence and adopt different strategies to cope with it. This study aimed to investigate the perception of puberty anxiety and coping with it in adolescent students.
Method: This study was conducted using a qualitative and content analysis method, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 adolescent students who were selected through purposive sampling.
Results: Data obtained from interviews were divided into nine main themes. These themes were organized into three general categories: factors underlying puberty anxiety, strategies for constructively dealing with puberty anxiety, and the role of peers in stabilizing or transitioning from puberty. Finally, the core category of “constructive coping strategies based on underlying factors and the role of peers” was obtained.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that increasing awareness and education about puberty changes, empathetic and facilitative relationships, and creating supportive environments can play an important role in reducing puberty anxiety and helping adolescents successfully transition from this developmental stage.
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