Transition to puberty as experienced by 12-year-old Swedish girls

The purpose of this study was to describe 12-year-old girls' experiences of entering puberty. A qualitative approach was used to gather data from focus group interviews, and content analysis was used to identify common themes from the responses of 18 girls. Findings revealed four main themes: (a) growing up--awareness, bodily changes, longing; (b) mother--a close and important relationship; (c) menarche--a personal and important occurrence; and (d) sex and relationships. Girls sought understanding for their feelings and thoughts during this transition period. Mothers were important to be close at hand and provide understanding. When entering menarche, the girls felt a greater need for integrity. They strongly experienced their sexuality physically and had many questions about sex and their physical changes. They longed to discuss these issues and learn more about sex but stated adults had failed them in this regard because the adults believed the girls were too young for this information. School nurses have opportunities to meet the needs of girls during the transition to puberty.