In search of explanations for early pubertal timing effects on developmental psychopathology
Abstract
Early pubertal maturation has been identified as a potential risk factor for internalizing and externalizing problems during adolescence. However, questions about the mechanisms that link early pubertal timing and psychopathology remain. In this article, we describe four hypotheses that explain the effects of early pubertal maturation. The hormonal influence hypothesis predicts that an increase in hormones at puberty leads to increased psychopathology. The maturation disparity hypothesis focuses on the gap between physical, social, and psychological maturation in early maturers that exacts the toll on individuals' adjustment. The contextual amplification hypothesis proposes that experiencing early pubertal transition in a disadvantaged context increases the risk for psychopathology. Finally, the accentuation hypothesis maintains that preadolescent vulnerabilities and challenges during early pubertal transition together increase problems. This article concludes with a consideration of how these hypotheses individually and collectively generate new lines of research linking early pubertal maturation and psychopathology.
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Gonadarcheal development fosters maturation into a sexual being, incorporating social processes such as negotiating sexual feelings, sensitivity to status, intimate friendships, and romantic relationships.
“Meanwhile, gonadarcheal development fosters maturation into a sexual being, which incorporates a broader suite of social processes such as negotiating sexual feelings, sensitivity to status, intimate friendships, and romantic relationships.(34,135)”
From Puberty Initiates Cascading Relationships Between Neurodevelopmental, Social, and Internalizing Processes Across Adolescence (2021) · cites this paper as [135]
Although sexual reproduction can be considered the ultimate evolutionary target of pubertal development, reproductive success encompasses a much broader range of social processes than sexual reproductive capacity per se.
“Importantly, although sexual reproduction can be considered the ultimate evolutionary target of pubertal development, reproductive success encompasses a much broader range of social processes than sexual reproductive capacity per se.(34,135)”
From Puberty Initiates Cascading Relationships Between Neurodevelopmental, Social, and Internalizing Processes Across Adolescence (2021) · cites this paper as [135]
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- Authors
- Ge, X., & Natsuaki, M. N.
- Affiliations
- University of Minnesota (US)
- University of California, Riverside (US)
- ORCID
- Natsuaki, Misaki N.
- Venue
- Current Directions in Psychological Science
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2009-12
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 327-331
- ISSN
- 0963-7214 (ISSN-L)
- 1467-8721
- OpenAlex
- W2095911505
- Cited by
- 264
- References
- 24
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 6
- FWCI
- 9.18
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Current Directions in Psychological Science (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
- Keywords
- pubertal development, developmental psychopathology, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, endocrine effects, adolescent adjustment
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