Timing of Menarche and the Origins of Conduct Disorder

Abstract

Early puberty has been linked to a number of emotional and behavioral problems, particularly in girls. As compared with on-time– and late-maturing peers, girls with precocious timing of menarche exhibit higher rates of delinquency or conduct disorder (CD) symptoms,^1-5 more frequent affiliation with older, more deviant peers,^1,3 an earlier initiation and greater frequency of alcohol and tobacco use,^4,6,7 earlier sexual activity,^8,9 and higher rates of adverse childhood experiences.^8,9 These effects appear to be most pronounced in early to mid adolescence, although some studies⁴ have suggested that they may continue into early adulthood. In contrast, girls with delayed menarche appear to be protected from the well-documented increase¹⁰ in externalizing behavior during adolescence.^1,6