The relative rate of maturation and its psychological effect

Abstract

SummaryGrowth and psychological data for 74 participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study are analysed to determine the influence of the relative timing of maturation upon psychological attributes related to interests, abilities, self-confidence, peer relationships, and future goals. It is suggested that neither age at peak height velocity for either sex, nor age of menarche for girls, represents an adequate measurement of relative maturity status. A new variable that can be used for both sexes, relative maturity, is suggested and computed using peak height velocity as well as the additional information gained from the percentage of adult stature achieved at that time.Results of separate significance tests using peak height velocity and relative maturity as independent variables reveal early maturers to be more self-confident in specific abilities and also more gregarious during adolescence with higher educational and vocational expectations for the future, while the later maturer is less likely to be influenced by his peers and to have less ambitious long-range goals.