Social Consequences of Pubertal Timing

Abstract

This entry explores theoretical and empirical considerations regarding the role of puberty in social development during adolescence. More specifically, it outlines the neurobiological and social contextual factors that could influence the development of social cognition and behavior during emerging adolescence and puberty. Findings from neuroscience and psychology are presented within a framework that suggests that emerging adolescents' health and well‐being are the result of interactions between biological factors and social interactions. The entry ends with a discussion of the potential implications of theory and empirical research on emerging adolescence for the school context.