Pubertal Timing and Identity Crisis: A Preliminary Investigation

Retrospective self-report data were utilized in an attempt to investigate the relationship between pubertal timing and identity-crisis status. Identity status interviews were administered to 105 late adolescents: 46 males and 59 females. Retrospective reports about pubertal onset were obtained. The results indicated that crisis males reportedly matured significantly later than their non-crisis counterparts whereas the opposite pattern was found with female subjects: crisis females reportedly matured earlier than their noncrisis counterparts. A social-learning interpretation is considered: adolescents who tend (or appear) to fit prevailing social expectation (viz., early-maturing males and late-maturing females) are less apt to deal with personal identity issues. Alternative interpretations and future research concerns are discussed.