Hormones and Behavior at Puberty

Abstract Early adolescence (ages 10-14) is a period of important developmental transitions. Changes occur in cognitive, emotional, and social functioning and, most strikingly, with the onset of puberty, in physical stature and body contour. In recognition of accumulating evidence of the interrelatedness of psychological functioning and pubertal changes during early adolescence, researchers studying this period of development increasingly are examining psychological processes in relation to the processes of pubertal development. In particular, there is renewed interest in biological-psychosocial interactions (e.g., Lerner & Foch, 1987).