Pubertal timing and self-reported delinquency among male adolescents

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, which lend support to the "deviance hypothesis" of pubertal timing.

Abstract

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.