Citation

Allen JP, Schad MM, Oudekerk B, Chango J. Child Dev. 2014; 85(5): 1866-1880.

Affiliation

University of Virginia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/cdev.12250

PMID

24919537

Abstract

Pseudomature behavior-ranging from minor delinquency to precocious romantic involvement-is widely viewed as a nearly normative feature of adolescence. When such behavior occurs early in adolescence, however, it was hypothesized to reflect a misguided overemphasis upon impressing peers and was considered likely to predict long-term adjustment problems. In a multimethod, multireporter study following a community sample of 184 adolescents from ages 13 to 23, early adolescent pseudomature behavior was linked cross-sectionally to a heightened desire for peer popularity and to short-term success with peers. Longitudinal results, however, supported the study's central hypothesis: Early adolescent pseudomature behavior predicted long-term difficulties in close relationships, as well as significant problems with alcohol and substance use, and elevated levels of criminal behavior.

Language: en