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.