PEDIATRICS Vol. 66 No. 6 December 1980, pp. 918-920
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow P3Rs: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when P3Rs are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Duke, P. M.
Right arrow Articles by Gross, R. T.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Duke, P. M.
Right arrow Articles by Gross, R. T.

Adolescents' Self-Assessment of Sexual Maturation

Paula M. Duke MD1, Iris F. Litt MD1, and Ruth T. Gross MD1

1 Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and The Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California

The variability in time of onset and progression of puberty warrants the use of stage of sexual maturation rather than chronologic age in assessing biological and behavioral measures during adolescence. The necessity to undress the teenager has seriously curtailed the application of stage of sexual maturation to behavioral and developmental research. This study demonstrates that adolescents can accurately assess their own developmental stage according to Tanner's standard photographs. Self-ratings by 43 females, aged 9 to 17, and 23 males, 11 to 18, were compared to those based on physical examination by one of the investigators. Agreement with the physician rating occurred for breast stage in 37/43, for female pubic hair stage in 40/43, and for male combined pubic hair and genital stage in 21/2 (kappa coefficients: 0.81, 0.91, 0.88). The excellent agreement between physician and adolescent's assessment compared favorably with the interrater agreement of professionals. This study suggests the value of utilizing adolescent self-staging in research. In addition, this exercise provides teenagers with an objective way to understand the wide range of normal pubertal development and to follow their own sexual maturation.

Submitted on September 26, 1979
Accepted on January 18, 1980




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 LupusHome page
P. Regio, E Bonfa, L Takayama, and R. Pereira
The influence of lean mass in trabecular and cortical bone in juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Lupus, September 1, 2008; 17(9): 787 - 792.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev.Home page
J. A. Shepherd, S. Malkov, B. Fan, A. Laidevant, R. Novotny, and G. Maskarinec
Breast Density Assessment in Adolescent Girls Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry: A Feasibility Study
Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., July 1, 2008; 17(7): 1709 - 1713.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
S. Chomtho, J. C. Wells, J. E Williams, P. S. Davies, A. Lucas, and M. S Fewtrell
Infant growth and later body composition: evidence from the 4-component model
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, June 1, 2008; 87(6): 1776 - 1784.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
S. H. Gray, S. B. Austin, B. Huang, A. L. Frazier, A. E. Field, and J. A. Kahn
Predicting Sexual Initiation in a Prospective Cohort Study of Adolescents
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, January 1, 2008; 162(1): 55 - 59.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
Z. Mei, L. M. Grummer-Strawn, J. Wang, J. C. Thornton, D. S. Freedman, R. N. Pierson Jr, W. H. Dietz, and M. Horlick
Do Skinfold Measurements Provide Additional Information to Body Mass Index in the Assessment of Body Fatness Among Children and Adolescents?
Pediatrics, June 1, 2007; 119(6): e1306 - e1313.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
P. Nordstrom, M. Neovius, and A. Nordstrom
Early and Rapid Bone Mineral Density Loss of the Proximal Femur in Men
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2007; 92(5): 1902 - 1908.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
V. G. Carrion, C. F. Weems, and A. L. Reiss
Stress Predicts Brain Changes in Children: A Pilot Longitudinal Study on Youth Stress, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and the Hippocampus
Pediatrics, March 1, 2007; 119(3): 509 - 516.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
J. M. Lee, D. Appugliese, N. Kaciroti, R. F. Corwyn, R. H. Bradley, and J. C. Lumeng
Weight Status in Young Girls and the Onset of Puberty
Pediatrics, March 1, 2007; 119(3): e624 - e630.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
E. M. Taveras, A. E. Field, C. S. Berkey, S. L. Rifas-Shiman, A. L. Frazier, G. A. Colditz, and M. W. Gillman
Longitudinal Relationship Between Television Viewing and Leisure-Time Physical Activity During Adolescence
Pediatrics, February 1, 2007; 119(2): e314 - e319.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
V. K Haas, J. R Allen, M. R Kohn, S. D Clarke, S. Zhang, J. N Briody, M. Gruca, S. Madden, M. J Muller, and K. J Gaskin
Total body protein in healthy adolescent girls: validation of estimates derived from simpler measures with neutron activation analysis
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, January 1, 2007; 85(1): 66 - 72.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Behav ModifHome page
E. W. Leen-Feldner, L. E. Reardon, and M. J. Zvolensky
Pubertal Status and Emotional Reactivity to a Voluntary Hyperventilation Challenge Predicting Panic Symptoms and Somatic Complaints: A Laboratory-Based Multi-Informant Test
Behav Modif, January 1, 2007; 31(1): 8 - 31.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur J EndocrinolHome page
F Domine, A-S Parent, G Rasier, M-C Lebrethon, and J-P Bourguignon
Assessment and mechanism of variations in pubertal timing in internationally adopted children: a developmental hypothesis
Eur. J. Endocrinol., November 1, 2006; 155(suppl_1): S17 - S25.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
B. Geller, R. Tillman, K. Bolhofner, B. Zimerman, N. A. Strauss, and P. Kaufmann
Controlled, blindly rated, direct-interview family study of a prepubertal and early-adolescent bipolar I disorder phenotype: morbid risk, age at onset, and comorbidity.
Arch Gen Psychiatry, October 1, 2006; 63(10): 1130 - 1138.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
T. J. Spencer, J. Biederman, J. H. Newcorn, C. J. Kratochvil, D. Ruff, and D. Michelson
Absence of Unfavorable Effect of Atomoxetine on Growth in Pediatric Patients Is Still Not Demonstrated: In Reply
Pediatrics, February 1, 2006; 117(2): 588 - 588.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 ThoraxHome page
H M Buntain, P J Schluter, S C Bell, R M Greer, J C H Wong, J Batch, P Lewindon, and C E Wainwright
Controlled longitudinal study of bone mass accrual in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Thorax, February 1, 2006; 61(2): 146 - 154.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Sex. Transm. Infect.Home page
L Brabin, S A Roberts, E Fairbrother, D Mandal, S P Higgins, S Chandiok, P Wood, G Barnard, and H C Kitchener
Factors affecting vaginal pH levels among female adolescents attending genitourinary medicine clinics
Sex. Transm. Inf., December 1, 2005; 81(6): 483 - 487.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am J Sports MedHome page
C. A. Emery, W. H. Meeuwisse, and S. E. Hartmann
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Injury in Adolescent Soccer: Implementation and Validation of an Injury Surveillance System
Am. J. Sports Med., December 1, 2005; 33(12): 1882 - 1891.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
K. Rajakumar, J. D. Fernstrom, J. E. Janosky, and S. L. Greenspan
Vitamin D Insufficiency in Preadolescent African-American Children
Clinical Pediatrics, October 1, 2005; 44(8): 683 - 692.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. Sports. Med.Home page
G Vicente-Rodriguez, I Ara, J Perez-Gomez, C Dorado, and J A L Calbet
Muscular development and physical activity as major determinants of femoral bone mass acquisition during growth
Br. J. Sports Med., September 1, 2005; 39(9): 611 - 616.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
N. F. Butte, A. G. Comuzzie, G. Cai, S. A. Cole, N. R. Mehta, and C. A. Bacino
Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing Fasting Serum Adiponectin in Hispanic Children
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 2005; 90(7): 4170 - 4176.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
D. P. Merke, J. N. Giedd, M. F. Keil, S. L. Mehlinger, E. A. Wiggs, S. Holzer, E. Rawson, A. C. Vaituzis, C. A. Stratakis, and G. P. Chrousos
Children Experience Cognitive Decline Despite Reversal of Brain Atrophy One Year After Resolution of Cushing Syndrome
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2005; 90(5): 2531 - 2536.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
B. Gutin, Z. Yin, M. C Humphries, and P. Barbeau
Relations of moderate and vigorous physical activity to fitness and fatness in adolescents
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, April 1, 2005; 81(4): 746 - 750.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Sex. Transm. Infect.Home page
L Brabin, E Fairbrother, D Mandal, S A Roberts, S P Higgins, S Chandiok, P Wood, G Barnard, and H C Kitchener
Biological and hormonal markers of chlamydia, human papillomavirus, and bacterial vaginosis among adolescents attending genitourinary medicine clinics
Sex. Transm. Inf., April 1, 2005; 81(2): 128 - 132.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
C. M. Boney, A. Verma, R. Tucker, and B. R. Vohr
Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood: Association With Birth Weight, Maternal Obesity, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Pediatrics, March 1, 2005; 115(3): e290 - e296.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
B. M. D. Brennan, Z. Mughal, S. A. Roberts, K. Ward, S. M. Shalet, T. O. B. Eden, A. M. Will, R. F. Stevens, and J. E. Adams
Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated without Cranial Irradiation
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2005; 90(2): 689 - 694.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The Journal of Early AdolescenceHome page
K. E. Schmitz, M. F. Hovell, J. F. Nichols, V. L. Irvin, K. Keating, G. M. Simon, C. Gehrman, and K. L. Jones
A Validation Study of Early Adolescents' Pubertal Self-Assessments
The Journal of Early Adolescence, November 1, 2004; 24(4): 357 - 384.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
M. T. Britto, R. F. DeVellis, R. W. Hornung, G. H. DeFriese, H. D. Atherton, and G. B. Slap
Health Care Preferences and Priorities of Adolescents With Chronic Illnesses
Pediatrics, November 1, 2004; 114(5): 1272 - 1280.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 FocusHome page
B. Geller, B. Zimerman, M. Williams, M. P. DelBello, K. Bolhofner, J. L. Craney, J. Frazier, L. Beringer, and M. J. Nickelsburg
DSM-IV Mania Symptoms in a Prepubertal and Early Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Phenotype Compared to Attention-Deficit Hyperactive and Normal Controls
Focus, October 1, 2004; 2(4): 586 - 595.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
G. C. Patton, B. J. McMorris, J. W. Toumbourou, S. A. Hemphill, S. Donath, and R. F. Catalano
Puberty and the Onset of Substance Use and Abuse
Pediatrics, September 1, 2004; 114(3): e300 - e306.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
M. Horlick, J. Wang, R. N. Pierson Jr., and J. C. Thornton
Prediction Models for Evaluation of Total-Body Bone Mass With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Among Children and Adolescents
Pediatrics, September 1, 2004; 114(3): e337 - e345.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
M. S Fewtrell, A. Lucas, T. J Cole, and J. C. Wells
Prematurity and reduced body fatness at 8-12 y of age
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, August 1, 2004; 80(2): 436 - 440.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
B. Geller, R. Tillman, J. L. Craney, and K. Bolhofner
Four-Year Prospective Outcome and Natural History of Mania in Children With a Prepubertal and Early Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Phenotype
Arch Gen Psychiatry, May 1, 2004; 61(5): 459 - 467.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
A. B. Sopher, J. C. Thornton, J. Wang, R. N. Pierson Jr, S. B. Heymsfield, and M. Horlick
Measurement of Percentage of Body Fat in 411 Children and Adolescents: A Comparison of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry With a Four-Compartment Model
Pediatrics, May 1, 2004; 113(5): 1285 - 1290.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
B. Gurd and P. Klentrou
Physical and pubertal development in young male gymnasts
J Appl Physiol, September 1, 2003; 95(3): 1011 - 1015.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
W. J. Rogan and N. B. Ragan
Evidence of Effects of Environmental Chemicals on the Endocrine System in Children
Pediatrics, July 1, 2003; 112(1): 247 - 252.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
J. Biederman, S. V. Faraone, M. C. Monuteaux, E. A. Plunkett, J. Gifford, and T. Spencer
Growth Deficits and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Revisited: Impact of Gender, Development, and Treatment
Pediatrics, May 1, 2003; 111(5): 1010 - 1016.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
D. P. Merke, J. D. Fields, M. F. Keil, A. C. Vaituzis, G. P. Chrousos, and J. N. Giedd
Children with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Have Decreased Amygdala Volume: Potential Prenatal and Postnatal Hormonal Effects
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2003; 88(4): 1760 - 1765.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
A. Singhal, J. Wells, T. J Cole, M. Fewtrell, and A. Lucas
Programming of lean body mass: a link between birth weight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease?
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, March 1, 2003; 77(3): 726 - 730.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
M. Horlick, S. M Arpadi, J. Bethel, J. Wang, J. Moye Jr, P. Cuff, R. N Pierson Jr, and D. Kotler
Bioelectrical impedance analysis models for prediction of total body water and fat-free mass in healthy and HIV-infected children and adolescents
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, November 1, 2002; 76(5): 991 - 999.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
S. Bonat, A. Pathomvanich, M. F. Keil, A. E. Field, and J. A. Yanovski
Self-Assessment of Pubertal Stage in Overweight Children
Pediatrics, October 1, 2002; 110(4): 743 - 747.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch. Dis. Child.Home page
I M van der Sluis, M A J de Ridder, A M Boot, E P Krenning, S M P F de Muinck Keizer-Schrama, and Z. Mughal
Reference data for bone density and body composition measured with dual energy x ray absorptiometry in white children and young adults
Arch. Dis. Child., October 1, 2002; 87(4): 341 - 347.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. Sports. Med.Home page
K J MacKelvie, K M Khan, H A McKay, and C Sanborn
Is there a critical period for bone response to weight-bearing exercise in children and adolescents? a systematic review * Commentary
Br. J. Sports Med., August 1, 2002; 36(4): 250 - 257.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
A. Singhal, I S. Farooqi, S. O'Rahilly, T. J Cole, M. Fewtrell, and A. Lucas
Early nutrition and leptin concentrations in later life
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, June 1, 2002; 75(6): 993 - 999.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
R. C. Henderson, R. K. Lark, J. E. Newman, H. Kecskemthy, E. B. Fung, J. B. Renner, and H. T. Harcke
Pediatric Reference Data for Dual X-Ray Absorptiometric Measures of Normal Bone Density in the Distal Femur
Am. J. Roentgenol., February 1, 2002; 178(2): 439 - 443.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch. Dis. Child.Home page
M Sood, G Hambleton, M Super, W D Fraser, J E Adams, and M Z Mughal
Bone status in cystic fibrosis
Arch. Dis. Child., June 1, 2001; 84(6): 516 - 520.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 Inj. Prev.Home page
P-A Michaud, A Renaud, and F Narring
Sports activities related to injuries? A survey among 9-19 year olds in Switzerland
Inj. Prev., March 1, 2001; 7(1): 41 - 45.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
B. Geller, J. L. Craney, K. Bolhofner, M. P. DelBello, M. Williams, and B. Zimerman
One-Year Recovery and Relapse Rates of Children With a Prepubertal and Early Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Phenotype
Am J Psychiatry, February 1, 2001; 158(2): 303 - 305.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
A. L. Frazier, L. Fisher, C. A. Camargo, C. Tomeo, and G. Colditz
Association of Adolescent Cigar Use With Other High-Risk Behaviors
Pediatrics, August 1, 2000; 106(2): 26e - 26.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
S. R. Petersen, C. A. Gaul, M. M. Stanton, and C. C. Hanstock
Skeletal muscle metabolism during short-term, high-intensity exercise in prepubertal and pubertal girls
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 1999; 87(6): 2151 - 2156.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
Bone Mineral Acquisition in Healthy Asian, Hispanic, Black, and Caucasian Youth: A Longitudinal Study
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 1999; 84(12): 4702 - 4712.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
A. E. Field, C. A. Camargo Jr, C. B. Taylor, C. S. Berkey, and G. A. Colditz
Relation of Peer and Media Influences to the Development of Purging Behaviors Among Preadolescent and Adolescent Girls
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, November 1, 1999; 153(11): 1184 - 1189.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
M. Hebbelinck, P. Clarys, and A. De Malsche
Growth, development, and physical fitness of Flemish vegetarian children, adolescents, and young adults
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, September 1, 1999; 70(3): 579S - 585.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
V. Matkovic, J. Z. Ilich, M. Skugor, N. E. Badenhop, P. Goel, A. Clairmont, D. Klisovic, R. W. Nahhas, and J. D. Landoll
Leptin Is Inversely Related to Age at Menarche in Human Females
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., October 1, 1997; 82(10): 3239 - 3245.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. M. Boot, M. A. J. de Ridder, H. A. P. Pols, E. P. Krenning, and S. M. P. F. de Muinck Keizer-Schrama
Bone Mineral Density in Children and Adolescents: Relation to Puberty, Calcium Intake, and Physical Activity
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 1997; 82(1): 57 - 62.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
M. D. Lonzer, R. Imrie, D. Rogers, D. Worley, A. Licata, and M. Secic
Effects of Heredity, Age, Weight, Puberty, Activity, and Calcium Intake on Bone Mineral Density in Children
Clinical Pediatrics, April 1, 1996; 35(4): 185 - 189.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 The Journal of Early AdolescenceHome page
J. Brooks-Gunn
The Psychological Significance of Different Pubertal Events to Young Girls
The Journal of Early Adolescence, December 1, 1984; 4(4): 315 - 327.
[Abstract]

Home page
 The Journal of Early AdolescenceHome page
A. C. Petersen, M. Tobin-Richards, and A. Boxer
Puberty: Its Measurement and its Meaning
The Journal of Early Adolescence, March 1, 1983; 3(1-2): 47 - 62.


Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
L. S. Neinstein
Adolescent Self-assessment of Sexual Maturation: Reassessment and Evaluation in a Mixed Ethnic Urban Population
Clinical Pediatrics, August 1, 1982; 21(8): 482 - 484.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 CirculationHome page
Q. He, M. Horlick, B. Fedun, J. Wang, R. N. Pierson Jr, S. Heshka, and D. Gallagher
Trunk Fat and Blood Pressure in Children Through Puberty
Circulation, March 5, 2002; 105(9): 1093 - 1098.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]