Abstract

This study examines the relationship of pubertal timing, body image, egocentrism, social adaptation, depression and antisocial behavior in early adolescence. The subjects were 383 boys (mean age : 13.50) and girls (mean age : 13.46) in first and second grade students of middle school. They were administered with the following six questionnaires to measure the pubertal timing, body image, imaginary audience, social adaptation (mastery and copying, impulse control, superior adjustment), depression and antisocial behavior. Results indicated that boys scored higher on antisocial behavior and girls scored higher on depression. In boys, depression, pubertal timing, impulse control, age, egocentrism were related to the antisocial behavior. In girls, depression, impulse control, age were correlated with the antisocial behavior. In both genders, depression was the most important determinant of antisocial behavior. The correlated variables of depression and antisocial behavior were different in each other sexes. These results were discussed and its implication and following study were suggested.