Examining adolescents psychological problems with respect to menarcheal status and information level of menstruation

The aim of the study was to examine psychological problems of adolescents with respect to pubertal status and information level of menstruation. The sample of the study was choosen from six different schools attending to the classes of 5, 6, 7, and 8th grades, in Adana, between the ages of 11-15. To measure depression level "Children's Depression Scale", to evaluate level of state-trait anxiety "Spielberger Children's State Trait Anxiety Inventory" and to determine girls' level of body image "Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale-Physical Apperance Subscale" were used. Variance analysis and Scheffe-F tests were used as statistical analysis. In conclusion, it is found that there were significant relations between menarcheal status and depression, state-trait anxiety and body image. Also there were significant relations between information level of menarche and depression, state-trait anxiety and body image. The mutual effects of menarcheal status and information level of menstruation didn't have any influence on depression, trait anxiety but had influence on state anxiety and body image. Key Words: menarcheal status, information level of menarche, psychological problems occuring due to menarche.