Timing of Menarche and the Origins of Conduct Disorder

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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