The Relationship between Pubertal Timing and Delinquent Behavior in Maltreated Male and Female Adolescents.

This study examined the relationship between pubertal timing and delinquent behavior across two time points in a sample of 303 maltreated and 151 comparison adolescents aged 9-13 years at enrollment. The first aim was to examine the relationship between pubertal timing and delinquency for the total sample and then to test for gender differences using multiple-group models. The second aim was to examine the interaction effect of pubertal timing and maltreatment on delinquency as well as gender differences for this interaction effect. Results showed that earlier pubertal timing was related to higher delinquency and this relationship was not significantly different for males and females. Maltreatment did not moderate the relationship between pubertal timing and delinquency for the total sample; however, there was evidence of a three-way interaction. These findings highlight the need to examine contextual factors that may affect the amplification and direction of these relationships.