Physical Similarity of and Disclosure of Menarcheal Status to Friends: Effects of Grade and Pubertal Status

Abstract

This study explores the relationship of friendship characteristics, specifically perceived reciprocity and self-disclosure of menarcheal status, to physical similarity, pubertal status, and grade level. One hundred and twenty girls in fifth, sixth, and seventh grades were interviewed about their friendships. Each girl was asked to name her "best," "close," and ",other" friends, as well as whether the friendships were reciprocal, whether each friend would tell the subject when she began menstruating (or, if postmenarcheal, did tell), and vice-versa. Girls rated the similarity of each friends' physical development to their own physical development. A nurse rated the girls' physical development by the Tanner method.