ISSN : 1229-0718
This study examines the effect of pubertal timing on the psychosocial development. The subjects are composed of 2029 boys and girls in grade 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Measures included adolescent reports of their pubertal status and self image(SIQYA). Individuals within one standard deviation, more than one standard deviation above and below the norm for pubertal status in this sample were classified as on time, early and late maturer. Findings indicate that early pubertal timing is related to better body image, mastery and coping and mood for boys, whereas for girls on time pubertal development is associated emotional cone, family relation and peer relation. But pubertal timing effects on boys and girls in each school grade are different. It is clear that these effects are specific rather than global.