Symptom Trajectories in Boys: The Role of Puberty and Hormones in Longitudinal Patterns of Internalizing, Externalizing, and ADHD Symptoms
Year: 2023
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Little research is centered on male-specific developmental factors for elevated psychopathology. We address this critical gap in the literature by investigating the complex interplay of pubertal development, hormonal influence, and internalizing, externalizing, and ADHD symptom trajectories in boys assigned male at birth. We employed an accelerated longitudinal design across three timepoints of data collection, allowing us to capture both between-individual and within-individual developmental trajectories. Using growth curve models, we explored the influences of age, puberty, and hormonal levels on internalizing, externalizing, and ADHD symptoms. Pubertal stage and hormones were significantly associated with variations in psychopathology. Specifically, morning DHEA levels predicted lower initial levels of internalizing symptoms, while higher morning testosterone levels were associated with higher initial levels of internalizing symptoms. Our investigation into pubertal effects highlighted the nuanced relationship between pubertal stage and internalizing symptoms, moderated by age. Boys who were more mature in pubertal stage exhibited lower internalizing and ADHD symptom levels, reinforcing the significance of the timing of pubertal development. By partially unraveling the complex interactions that shape psychological well-being during adolescence, these insights hold potential implications for targeted interventions and the development of refined developmental models of psychopathology.
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4399900942