From surging hormones and acne to body hair and body odor, puberty can be a rocky transition for any kid. But girls and boys who start physically developing sooner than their peers face particular social and emotional challenges, researchers find.
“Puberty is a pivotal time in kids’ lives, and early maturing boys and girls may be more likely to struggle psychologically,” says Jane Mendle, a psychologist and associate professor at Cornell University.
A 2018 study conducted by Mendle and her team found that girls who entered puberty significantly earlier than their peers were at higher risk for mental health concerns. They’re more likely to become depressed during adolescence, the study finds, and this distress can persist into adulthood.
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