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This paper reports on\u00a0research\u00a0from the Longitudinal Study of Australian children, in which parents of children were interviewed over time, and asked questions on puberty, behaviour, emotional, social and school functioning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lead researcher, Dr Fiona Mensah, says the study provides new evidence of pre-existing and persistent early childhood differences in socio-emotional well being amongst children who experience early puberty.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“There is a heightened risk for behaviour and emotional problems during puberty; and children who reach puberty earlier than their peers have more of these difficulties in adolescence.” \u00a0<\/p>\n
Professor George Patton says the study supports a ‘life course’ hypothesis.<\/p>\n
“Understanding what lies behind early puberty may also tell us much about the origins of emotional and behavioural problems of children and adolescents.”<\/p>\n
The study was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health<\/em>.<\/p>\n George Patton was interviewed by the ABC. To listen to the interview click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n