Author(s): Rajni Dhingra, Kirti Singh Chauhan and Nidhi Kachroo

Abstract:
The present study was undertaken with the objective of investigating the nature of Parent Adolescent communication regarding pubertal issues, as research evidence has suggested its association with healthy development of ideas related to sexuality and family life. Menarche marks a turning point not only in the lives of girls but also in the lives of their parents. Relatively normal and healthy adolescents tend to come from homes where there is reasonably good communication between the two. The sample of the study comprised 100 girls in the age group of 15-18 years drawn from Jammu city of J&K state by random sampling. An in-depth self-devised interview schedule having items related to experience of puberty and communication with parents was administered on the selected sample girls. The findings suggested that majority of adolescent girls did not communicate freely about the pubertal issues with their fathers and other male members of the family because of hesitation, shyness, societal norms and various stigmas. They reported that they felt embarrassed about discussing these issues with them. On the other hand, the girls felt free to discuss the issues related to puberty like development of secondary sex characters, menarche, and menstruation with mothers owing to the feeling of belongingness and gender specific compatibility. They followed the traditions and norms imposed on them by their family without questioning. The study points to an imperative call for sensitization and guidance of family members and others to open up communication with adolescents and provide them with vital and correct information about pubertal and other life related issues.