User:Nikki baldino/sandbox

Some of the least understood environmental influences on timing of puberty are social and psychological. In comparison with the effects of genetics, nutrition, and general health, social influences are small, shifting timing by a few months rather than years. Mechanisms of these social effects are unknown, though a variety of physiological processes, including pheromones, have been suggested based on animal research.

The most important part of a child's psychosocial environment is the family, and most of the social influence research has investigated features of family structure and function relation to earlier or later female puberty. In a study of 87 adolescent girls found that mood disorders in the adolescents mother predicted early pubertal changes. Also, the fathers are absent during their early childhood, and the presences of a step-father have shown early pubertal maturation in girls. The stressful family relationship is a contributing factor to the development of a adolescent girl. Conversely, menarche may be slightly later when a girl grows up in a large family with a biological father present.

Most of these reported social effects are small and our understanding is incomplete. Most of these "effects" are statistical associations revealed by epidemiologic surveys. Statistical associations are not necessarily causal, and a variety of covariables and alternative explanations can be imagined. Effects of such small size can never be confirmed or refuted for any individual child. Furthermore, interpretations of the data are politically controversial because of the ease with which this type of research can be used for political advocacy. Accusations of bias based on political agenda sometimes accompany scientific criticism. Experts explain that the puberty difference in timing between females and males affect both differently. Girls developing earlier have the worry of being treated more socially mature rather than boys who develop as a slower rate.

Another limitation of the social research is that nearly all of it has concerned girls, partly because female puberty requires greater physiologic resources. Teen age girls emotions are very up and down, stress about changing fashion styles and appearance, the pressure from school itself and academics, and the ever going need to fit in socially. A study resulted in earlier pubertal timing associating with delinquent girls, who spent time with older peers and socialized heavily with boys. This Explaining the link between pubertal timing and problem behavior as a young age.