International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Shadow of Silence: Understanding Emotional Turmoil in Growing Girls

Emotional turmoil during adolescence is a growing concern across psychological, educational, and clinical domains. Girls between ages 10–19 often experience heightened emotional distress influenced by biological, social, cognitive, and cultural factors. Despite this, many internalize their struggles, leading to what this paper terms the shadow of silence: a pattern of concealed suffering, self-silencing, and delayed help-seeking. The study explores emotional turmoil among growing girls through an integrated psychological lens. This review paper synthesizes empirical and theoretical literature from developmental psychology, clinical psychology, gender studies, and cultural psychology to understand the internalized “shadow of silence” that governs emotional experiences in growing girls. The review identifies five major themes contributing to emotional turmoil: (1) biopsychosocial changes of puberty, (2) emotional suppression and gendered socialization, (3) family, peer influences, and relational stressors (4) academic and social stressors amplified by digital culture, and (5) mental-health vulnerabilities including anxiety, depression, self-esteem instability, and identity conflicts. Methodologically, the paper follows a systematic review framework and analyzes 90 empirical and theoretical sources published between 2000 and 2024. Findings reveal that emotional turbulence often remains hidden due to cultural norms emphasizing compliance, relational harmony, and self-sacrifice among girls. The discussion highlights the need for gender-sensitive mental-health interventions, school-based programs, and family-centered strategies that encourage emotional expression, resilience building, and psychological safety. The review concludes that understanding the silent emotional struggles of adolescent girls is essential for promoting well-being, empowerment, and healthy developmental trajectories. Keywords: emotional turmoil, silence, gender socialization, mental health, resilience, psychological well-being