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Abstract
Research suggests that the temporary rise in adolescent antisocial behaviour (ASS) is attributable to a very large number of young people each engaging in a relatively small number of ASS's while progressing through adolescence. One possible explanation for the temporary increase in ASS during adolescence is that during puberty, the cognitive processes responsible for monitoring and controlling behaviour are disrupted. In support of this, recent research has found that adolescents' participation in ASS is positively correlated with the stage of pubertal development rather than age. Additionally, there is evidence that a temporary 'dip' in executive functioning (planning, organizing, decision-making) occurs at an age range (Le. 11-14 years) typically associated with the onset of puberty. This thesis reports a first test of a model which proposes a causal relationship between puberty, decreased executive function and increased antisocial behaviour. Self-report data on pubertal
development, antisocial attitudes and ASS participation were collected from 323 boys and girls (ages 9 -17 years) attending New South Wales public schools. Executive function, (Le. updating, response inhibition, set-shifting) was measured in a 3D-minute individual interview. Data were analysed to determine if participants reported greater participation in ASS during puberty onset and whether this period was also characterized by a decline in executive function. In addition, it was investigated whether adolescents who attain puberty earlier than their peers participate in ASS earlier, longer, and at higher rates than their 'on-time' or 'late-maturing' peers, and whether there was an association between 'early' puberty and a persistent reduction in executive function.
Results revealed that ASS participation was significantly associated with puberty onset timing, and some significant associations were found between antisocial attitudes and pubertal timing. There was some indication of decreased executive function at puberty onset and a link between early pubertal timing and a persistent reduction in executive function. Thus, there is some partial evidence to support the proposed model of adolescent ASS. However, complications in performing mediation analysis prevent concluding that executive function mediates the relationship between pubertal development and ASB. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to future research in this field.