Timing and Tempo of Puberty Linked to Behaviour Problems, Study Finds

Children who go through puberty at a faster rate are more likely to act out and suffer from anxiety and depression, according to a study released by Penn State, Duke University and the University of California, Davis. Primary care providers, teachers and parents should look for two things when trying to make connections about behavioral problems in kids, says the study. Not only should they look at the timing of puberty but also the tempo of puberty, meaning how fast or slow kids go through these changes. For girls, the results suggest that timing and tempo weren't directly related. For boys, however, a strong relationship exists between the two factors.