AIMS / HYPOTHESES:

In comparison to the substantial body of research examining the link between pubertal development and depression in girls, the relationship between puberty and depression in boys is not well documented. There is a need to expand research in this area to advance understanding of the link between aspects of male pubertal development and the emergence of depression. The current study, based on a large contemporary birth cohort, will examine the association between pubertal development and levels of depressive symptoms in boys from early adolescence childhood into early adulthood. Using separate indicators of pubertal maturation, including Tanner pubic hair and genital stage, growth of axillary hair, voice changes and increase in height, we will examine whether non-normative timing of puberty (early or late relative to peers) at age 13 years is associated with increased levels of depressive symptoms at 13 - 18 years.