“Don’t Make It Awkward:” a qualitative study of boys’ puberty and puberty education in three US cities

Early adolescence is a pivotal developmental period, yet male puberty is under-studied in the United States (US). There is a distinct evidence gap on physical and social transitions among boys from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds living in low-income urban contexts. In this qualitative and participatory study, we explored boys’ (ages 15-18) perspectives on early adolescence in Greater Cleveland, the San Francisco Bay Area, and New York City metropolitan area. We also conducted key informant interviews with adults working in schools and youth-serving programmes. Findings indicated that commonperceptions and experiences of puberty as awkward were linked to boys' encounters with dominant masculinity norms. This emerged through three themes: Boys' understandings of puberty conflate body changes and social achievement; and Restrictive body image and sexuality norms shaped boys' behaviours; and school was a missed opportunity for comprehensive puberty education. Research and interventions supporting gender equitable, inclusive puberty education are needed.