68 Psychosocial predictors of pubertal timing: A systematic review

• Published in: Paediatrics & child health 2019-05, Vol.24 (Supplement_2), p.e27-e27
• Main Authors: Wilkie, Erin, Boutin, Stephanie, Tomasiello, Melina, Temcheff, Caroline, Martin-Storey, Alexa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstract / Résumés; Child abuse & neglect; Families & family life; Pediatrics; Physical growth; Puberty; Race; Socioeconomic factors; Systematic review; Teenagers
• ISSN: 1205-7088; 1918-1485
• DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxz066.067

Background The psychosocial predictors of pubertal timing include a variety of variables that can be grouped into four large categories: SES, family environment, race, and childhood maltreatment. However, much of the research regarding predictors of pubertal timing examines these categories of predictors separately, which is problematic as many of these factors are closely related. As such, it is important to examine multiple psychosocial predictors of pubertal timing simultaneously. Objectives This review aimed to examine all predictors in a systematic way, in order to allow a comprehensive review of each predictor and how they are related to one another. We examined all empirical articles published since Belsky, Draper, & Steinberg (1991) examining psychosocial predictors of pubertal timing. Design/Methods Data was collected using predetermined keywords applied to four different databases: PsychINFO (n= 433), Medline (n= 543), CINHAL (n= 484), & Scopus (n= 564). After duplicates were removed, a total of 1905 articles were identified. Articles underwent three separate reviews by two blind reviewers. The review process revealed a total of 126 articles suitable for inclusion in the review. Each psychosocial predictor was examined in a systematic way in order to draw connections between all types of predictors and their implications. Within this review, predictors were divided into four major categories of variables: race, socioeconomic status, family environment and childhood maltreatment. Results Findings indicated a complex picture of psychosocial predictors and how they are all connected. In sum, variables related to cumulative childhood maltreatment tended to remain significant above the other predictors such as, father absence, socioeconomic status, and race. These findings imply that youth, particularly girls, who have cumulative stress experience puberty earlier than those with fewer stressors. This review provides a more comprehensive profile of youth at-risk for later negative health outcomes associated with precocious puberty. Particularly, this review will be the first of its kind to include all articles examining psychosocial predictors of pubertal timing in both boys and girls. Conclusion The present findings have implications for the refinement of models explaining the psychosocial predictors of precocious puberty. More specifically, if practitioners could better identify early psychosocial signs of precocious puberty they may be in a better p