Major
Psychology
Anticipated Graduation Year
2024
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Although research has shown that female adolescents experience increased anxiety and depression symptoms following menarche, there is limited evidence in the months leading up to menarche and even less attention paid to behavioral effects on this transition. This study examines pubertal status, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, physical activity, and sleep health in 120 premenarchal, biological females. This study addresses: (1) the association between pubertal status, anxiety and depressive symptoms among female adolescents in the months leading up to menarche, and (2) considers the role of modifiable actions such as sleep health and physical activity on these symptoms.
Community Partners
University of Chicago Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Northshore Health, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Amy M. Bohnert, PhD, Psychology Department; Julianna P. Adornetti, BA, Psychology Department; Hannah Hagy, MA, Psychology Department
Supported By
Stephanie J. Crowley, PhD, Rush University Medical Center; Frank F. Tu, MD, MPH, Northshore Health; Kevin Hellman, PhD, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Prior to Menarche: The Role of Sleep and Physical Activity
Although research has shown that female adolescents experience increased anxiety and depression symptoms following menarche, there is limited evidence in the months leading up to menarche and even less attention paid to behavioral effects on this transition. This study examines pubertal status, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, physical activity, and sleep health in 120 premenarchal, biological females. This study addresses: (1) the association between pubertal status, anxiety and depressive symptoms among female adolescents in the months leading up to menarche, and (2) considers the role of modifiable actions such as sleep health and physical activity on these symptoms.