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Early or late timing of puberty and the mental health of children and young people

We are currently focused on research to better understand pathways to different mental health outcomes for children and young people who experience an early or late onset of puberty compared to those for whom puberty is ‘on-time’. An early onset of puberty is a risk factor for a many different mental health outcomes in childhood and adolescence, including emotional and behavioural problems, disordered eating and substance abuse.
 
There is more research on the impact of early or late timing of puberty on the mental health and well-being of girls, but research findings suggest that early pubertal timing has a negative impact the mental health of both boys and girls. Less is known about the impact of late pubertal timing. Some studies suggest that late puberty increases the risk for poor adjustment in boys, but has a potential protective effect on girls. Girls tend to mature earlier than boys, and a different pace of puberty may also increase risk for poor mental health and differ for boys versus girls.
 
The onset of puberty is also starting almost a year earlier for children in the UK compared to the 1970s - at a rate of 0.24 years per decade. Longitudinal birth cohort studies in the UK spanning different yet overlapping time periods can help us better understand the reasons for this shift to earlier onset of puberty in children. This information will help to inform health, social and education policy aimed at preventing stressful life experiences leading to poor mental health in children and young people who experience puberty earlier or later than their peers.

What's on

We are currently working on a GW4 Generator fund proposal to further establish the network and support the development of funding proposals on pubertal timing and child mental health.

What's next

A research away day with academic and research staff and doctoral students from all four GW4 universities will be held on the 1st April 2025 to plan interdisciplinary research on pubertal timing and mental health in children and young people.

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