"A study published in the Journal of Adolescence introduces the concept of "pubertal self-efficacy"-how confident adolescents feel in their ability to manage the challenges that come with puberty. Researchers at Cornell found that teens with higher pubertal self-efficacy reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. This occurred when they were able to manage the social and emotional aspects of puberty, such as conflicts with parents or friends, shifts in identity, and evolving peer groups."
"The research team, led by doctoral student Christopher Davis and Professor of Psychology Jane Mendle, assessed 124 middle school students aged 12 to 15. Participants filled out surveys to measure their depressive and anxiety symptoms, pubertal development, and two types of stress: general life stress and puberty-specific stress related to the physical and social changes of adolescence. They found that pubertal self-efficacy seemed to buffer against mental health symptoms, even in the presence of stress."
Puberty brings physical, emotional, and social changes that can affect mental health. 'Pubertal self-efficacy' describes adolescents' confidence in managing puberty-related challenges. Adolescents aged 12–15 who reported higher pubertal self-efficacy reported fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms. Measures included pubertal development, depressive and anxiety symptoms, general life stress, and puberty-specific stress. Higher pubertal self-efficacy buffered mental health symptoms even under stress. The protective effect was consistent across age, gender, and pubertal timing. Parental early and open communication can help prepare young people to manage puberty and support mental health.
Read at Psychology Today
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