Psychosocial Problems and Coping Strategies among Preadolescent Girls with Early-Onset Puberty: Implications for Nursing Practice, School Health, and Family-Centered Care- A Narrative Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Early-onset puberty can be challenging for preadolescent girls because physical maturation may occur before they are emotionally and socially prepared to understand and manage the associated changes.This narrative review examined recent evidence published between 2020 and 2026 on psychosocial problems, coping strategies, and supportive care among girls with early pubertal development, with particular attention to nursing practice, school health, and familycentered care.Literature was identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar using MeSH and free-text terms related to precocious puberty, early pubertal timing, early menarche, depression, anxiety, body image, coping, social support, menstrual health, family, school health, and quality of life.Recent longitudinal, observational, clinical, and systematic-review evidence indicates that earlier pubertal development may be associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, emotional difficulties, peer problems, and reduced quality of life, although the magnitude of these associations varies across populations and is influenced by family, social, and individual factors.Early menarche may additionally increase difficulties related to menstrual preparedness and school participation.Supportive parent-child communication, timely puberty and menstrual education, adaptive coping, positive peer relationships, and accessible school-based support may facilitate adjustment.Nurses can contribute through early psychosocial assessment, individualized counselling, menstrual-health education, family support, school coordination, and timely referral.Integrating psychosocial care with endocrine assessment may promote resilience and improve overall wellbeing.
Authors: Rumi Talukdar, Nirmali Gogoi
Institutions: The Assam Royal Global University, Assam Down Town University
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7203796243