Physical Development

Contextual Influences on Pubertal Timing: Obesity

Decrease in age of first menstruation

Contextual Influences on Pubertal Timing: Stress

Children who are exposed to stress early are more likely to experience puberty earlier. Household stress (ex. domestic abuse, absent father, poverty, or discrimination)

Contextual Influences on Pubertal Timing: Low Socioeconomic Status

Visible Minority → more stress. Food insecurity. Obesity.

Consequences of Early or Late Puberty: Off-time Puberty

- Early: Before 8 (girls) or 9 (boys). Late: After 13 (girls) or 14 (boys). Early maturation linked with more problems than late maturation.

Consequences of Early or Late Puberty: Psychosocial/ Emotional Consequences

- anxiety and depression. More conscious of self image and self esteem. Victims of rumor spreading. More likely to be sexually harassed.

Consequences of Early or Late Puberty: Behavior Consequences

- looks like adult → affects brain development → thinks like an adult → more likely to participate in age inappropriate behavior. Increased STIs, teen pregnancy.

Consequences of Early or Late Puberty: Nutrition and Eating Behaviors

Adolescent: growth spurt and diet trends. Adulthood: eat out a lot/ caloric intake.