Domain

Puberty

These measures have been identified as commonly used measures within the LifeCourse cohorts. These measures were identified to encourage potential opportunities for data harmonisation. The descriptions provided are intended to give cohort custodians and data users some common criteria to assess a survey for appropriateness to use in their own studies. It is not intended to mandate the use of any measure, or provide a comprehensive understanding of these measures.

This information was collated by the LifeCourse team from scoring manuals and documentation, publications, and official measure websites. To read about this process in more detail, access our report.

Measure No. of cohorts using measure Cost and accessibility Time to complete Key reference/s and measure information Reference frame Constructs assessed by measure Age range
PDS: Pubertal Development Scale 9

The PDS is free to use and access

2 minutes (estimate)

Petersen, A.C., Crockett, L., Richards, M. and Boxer, A. (1988). A self-report measure of pubertal status: Reliability, validity, and initial norms. J Youth Adolesc, 17(2): 117-33. doi: 10.1007/bf01537962

Current state
  • Age at menarche
  • Puberty stage

Self report, ages 9-21 years
TANNER: The Tanner Stages 3

Pending clarification

5 minutes (estimate)
  • Morris, N.M. and Udry, J.R. (1980). Validation of a self-administered instrument to assess stage of adolescent development. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 9: 271-80. DOI: 10.1007/bf02088471
  • Tanner, J.M. (1962). Growth at Adolescence. 2. Oxford, Blackwell Scientific Publications
  • Tanner, J.M. (1978). Standards of Normal Growth. In: Tanner JM, ed. Foetus into Man: Physical growth from conception to maturity. London: Open Books London. pp 196-201
  • Tanner, J.M. and Buckler, J.M.H. (1997). Revision and update of Tanner-Whitehouse clinical longitudinal charts for height and weight. European Journal of Pediatrics, 156: 248-49

Current state
  • Puberty stage

Self-report, ages 12-16 years