RELATIONSHIP OF PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT AND BULLYING WITH BODY DYSMORPHIC TRAITS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Puberty is a natural physiological transition from childhood to adolescence, marked by significant physical and psychological changes. During this stage, adolescents become more socially aware and sensitive to peer perceptions, making them vulnerable to experiences such as bullying. Bullying is commonly observed in adolescence, often involving peers mocking or dominating others (Lindner, Hughes, & Fahy, 2008). The present correlational study examined the relationship between pubertal changes, bullying, and body dysmorphic traits among adolescents. A sample of 264 adolescents (132 males, 132 females) aged 10–16 years were recruited from schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Participants completed demographic information and three standardized questionnaires. Findings showed significant correlations between body dysmorphic traits and pubertal development (r = .295**), body dysmorphic traits and bullying (r = .166*), and pubertal development and bullying (r = .337**). Gender analysis revealed a significant difference in body dysmorphic traits across pubertal stages for females, but not for males. Thus, females exhibited greater body dysmorphic concerns during puberty compared to males. Overall, the study highlights that pubertal development, bullying, and body dysmorphic traits are interrelated, with females being more vulnerable to body image concerns during adolescence. This study is significant as it deepens the understanding of how pubertal development and bullying contribute to body dysmorphic concerns, particularly among females, thereby offering insights for early interventions to promote adolescent mental health.