Discussion
In this study, emotional alterations for the female participants, compared to the male participants, were addressed, primarily, within the context of bodily changes. When girls entered the secondary school setting, their hormonal changes may cause them to experience discomfort when facing new circumstances. Changes in one’s estrogen level can affect behavior, i.e. an increase in mood swings and a “ hot ” temper. Hormonal changes also may influence, indirectly, early adolescents’ establishment of new social relations. For example, the female students were easily annoyed secondary to the onset of their menses. This feeling may have been intensified as a result of them having pain or discomfort, as well as from the Thai social belief, transferred from the elder generation, of the need to keep their menses a secret because it is shameful.