Article InfoAlthough puberty is a natural event, early puberty poses a risk for number of psychosocial problems. Among preadolescent girls, early puberty is associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, sexual victimization, behavioural problems and substance abuse. This study was conducted to identify psychosocial problems among preadolescent girls with early onset of puberty by using an explorative descriptive design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 preadolescent girls between 10-12 years and attained menarche, from 5 th , 6 th and 7 th standards of 4 private schools in Kottayam District of Kerala. Majority of the (69%) preadolescent girls were residing in rural area and 53% had their first menstruation between the ages of 11-12 years. The mean score of the psychosocial problem was 118.73/280±26.7. Maximum score was found to be in the area of eating disorders (6.52/12±2.05) followed by anxiety (34.09/68 ±8.72).The lowest score was found in the area of sexual abuse (3.5/12±1.32). There was an association between substance abuse with age, anxiety and eating disorders with religion, depression and education of mother at 0.05 level of significance.

Objective: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to develop and experience stress and anxiety due to the overwhelming amount of new information, research on their child’s needs, and coping with everyday hardships. Method: This systematic review analyzed seven recent research articles related to the anxiety and stress in mothers raising children with ASD. Studies were limited to a focus on maternal mental health experiences raising a child with ASD. Findings: All studies examined show a sample of mothers that have anxiety while raising children with ASD. Researchers employed different methodologies in measuring these mothers’ anxiety at either one or two points in time. The strengths and weaknesses of each study were reviewed. Some studies even reported a direct effect concerning the way mothers interact with others and their children as a result of their mental health state. Limitations in most of the studies reviewed showed a smaller sample size than originally intended. Conclusion: While there are many studies that focus on children with ASD, there is a lack of research on the mental health state of their parents, specifically mothers. These parents take on the role of being a provider, advocate, and channel between their children and a world that is rarely accessible to them. Research in this area can greatly benefit new mothers experiencing this, and all parents that may have an unhealthy mental state when dealing with the responsibility and work it takes raising a child with a disability.

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