Pubertal timing and self-reported delinquency among male adolescents
Williams, J.M.; Dunlop, L.C.
Journal of Adolescence 22(1): 157-171
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-1971 PMID: 10066339 DOI: 10.1006/jado.1998.0208Document Number: 533747
Pubertal timing has consequences for adolescent adaptation, and Moffitt has theorized that puberty is a motivating factor for delinquency. Pubertal timing and self-reported delinquency were examined in a questionnaire-based survey of 14-year-old boys (n=99). The questionnaire was completed anonymously, under test conditions, in the school classroom. The results showed that offtime maturers (those early or late) reported a wider range of delinquency, including higher levels of crime and school opposition behaviours. Offtimers also reported a greater frequency of particular delinquent acts over a 12-month period. Overall, the results lend support to the "deviance hypothesis" of pubertal timing.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
