THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBERTAL GROWTH AND SEX-ROLE FORMATION

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pubertal growth and sex-role formation. In a first study, a sex-role scale for early adolescents, containing 9 masculine items and 6 feminine items, was constructed. In a second study, recognition and acquisition of masculine traits and feminine traits were related to variables concerning pubertal growth. The main results were as follows: 1) Height had little influence on either recognition or acquisition of masculine traits and feminine traits. 2) Mature boys showed significantly higher level of masculine trait acquisition than immature boys. 3) Both boys and girls who were satisfied with the important parts of their bodies showed significantly higher level of masculine and feminine trait acquisition. 4) It was found in both males and females that the level of acquisition of masculine traits and feminine traits were associated with some of the variables concerning pubertal growth, without recognition of them.