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[Problematic puberty?].
1Norsk institutt for forskning om oppvekst, velferd og aldring, Oslo.
Summary
Early puberty increases problem behavior in adolescents, especially boys. This is linked to boys associating with deviant peers more than girls. Keywords: adolescent behavior, puberty, peer influence, gender differences.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Criminology
Context:
- Problem behavior in adolescents is a significant public health concern.
- Pubertal development is a critical period for behavioral changes.
- Understanding the interplay of biological and social factors is crucial for intervention.
Purpose:
- To examine the relationship between pubertal development and problem behavior in 13- and 14-year-olds.
- To investigate the mediating roles of peer networks, parental behavior, and masculine gender identity.
- To explore gender differences in the association between pubertal status and problem behavior.
Summary:
- Problem behavior, including shoplifting and vandalism, increases with physical maturation in both sexes, but more strongly in boys.
- Early-maturing boys are more likely to associate with deviant peers, explaining the gender disparity.
- Peer deviance and gang membership were identified as key mediating factors.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the critical role of early maturation and peer influence on adolescent behavior.
- Informs targeted interventions for at-risk youth, focusing on peer group dynamics and parental supervision.
- Contributes to a nuanced understanding of developmental pathways into problem behaviors.