Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Counseling
Date of Award
5-2006
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Brent Morrow
Committee Members
James R. Bitter, Patricia Robertson
Abstract
Father absence and the introduction of a stepfather before menarche have been shown to contribute to the early onset of menarche. The present study analyzes the effects of father absence situations that tend to result on the onset of menarche. Presence of a related male in a father-absent homes is also considered as a protective factor for menarcheal onset. Participants consisted of 342 female students enrolled in undergraduate work at a southeastern university. The mean age of participants was 20.7 years. Participants completed a survey consisting of 12 questions pertaining to their family environment before menarche. Participants were asked to give their age at first menarche in years and months. Results indicted a significant difference in menarcheal age between those from homes where both biological parents were present and those where the biological father was absent before menarche. No other significant results were found. Implications for future research discussed.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Healey, Amanda Christel, "Father Absence and Early Family Composition as a Predictor of Menarcheal Onset: Psychosocial and Familial Factors That are Associated with Pubertal Timing." (2006). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2172. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2172
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.