Growing Up Across Cultures: Girls’ Perceptions of Puberty in Germany and Ghana

ABSTRACT: This mixed-methods study examined adolescent girls’ perceptions of puberty in Germany and Ghana to better understand cross-cultural differences in the personal evaluation of physical development during puberty. A total of 418 girls (198 from Germany, 220 from Ghana; mean ages 13.73 and 12.57 years, respectively) completed classroom-based questionnaires assessing overall evaluations of puberty, perceptions of specific bodily changes, and body image. Open-ended questionnaire responses and two focus groups (N = 11) provided qualitative insights. Quantitative findings showed that German girls reported significantly more negative perceptions of puberty than Ghanaian girls. The most pronounced cross-cultural difference concerned menstruation, which was evaluated more negatively by German than by Ghanaian participants. German girls also reported greater real-ideal body discrepancy, suggesting greater body dissatisfaction, although perceived body shape did not differ between groups. Qualitative findings supported these results. German participants described puberty as emotionally challenging, marked by self-doubt, social comparison, media influence, and appearance-related insecurities. In contrast, Ghanaian girls more often framed puberty as a natural transition into adulthood and womanhood, emphasizing fertility, responsibility, and guidance from trusted adults. Overall, the findings highlight both shared and culturally specific meanings attached to puberty and underscore the importance of culturally sensitive puberty education and support systems.