From Participants to Contributors: A Scoping Review of Adolescent Engagement in the Design and Conduct of Puberty Research

Background Research on puberty is central to understanding adolescent health and wellbeing, yet people's participation in this research may be affected by inclusion of sensitive topics, ethical considerations, and by cultural influences. Participatory approaches, including public and patient involvement (PPI), co-design, and community-engaged approaches, can enhance the relevance, acceptability, and design integrity of research. However the extent to which adolescents are involved in puberty research beyond study participation is unclear. This research aims to map how children and adolescents have been involved in the design and conduct of puberty-related research through participatory, advisory, or public and patient approaches. Methods Searches were conducted across six academic databases and extensive grey literature sources. Eligible sources (1979–2025, English-language) included studies that involved children, adolescents, or parents/caregivers in consultative, advisory, co-design, or participatory roles in puberty-related, or using measures of pubertal development. Data were charted and synthesised descriptively and thematically following the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Results Of 5,194 unique records screened, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were published between 2009 and 2025 and were primarily qualitative or mixed-methods. Adolescent involvement was concentrated in early or formative stages of the research, including informing intervention or tool development and supporting data generation. No studies reported adolescent involvement in analysis or dissemination. Engagement processes were described inconsistently, with very few using formal frameworks. Limited reporting on training, compensation, power-sharing, or researcher reflexivity was provided. Puberty was conceptualised through sociocultural and experiential lenses, with a focus on menstruation and girls’ experiences. No studies included adolescent perspectives in the design or conduct of research with biological or clinical measures. Conclusion Adolescent involvement in puberty research beyond participation remains limited and poorly reported. Greater conceptual clarity, transparent reporting, and integration of adolescents across the research cycle are needed to support more ethical, inclusive, and methodologically robust puberty research.