Late developers are individuals who reach various developmental milestones, such as puberty, later than their peers (Brooks-Gunn & Petersen, 1997). They tend to be physically smaller and have less advanced secondary sexual characteristics compared to early developers (Petersen, Crockett, Richards, & Boxer, 1988). Late developers often experience lower levels of self-esteem and well-being due to feeling different from their peers (Flannery, Rowe, & Gulley, 1993). However, late developers may have certain advantages, such as a longer period of time to develop emotionally and socially, resulting in greater maturity and resilience in later life (Petersen, Sarigiani, & Kennedy, 1991).
Reference List
- Brooks-Gunn, J., & Petersen, A. C. (1997). The biological and psychosocial development of early and late maturing girls and boys. Journal of Adolescent Health, 20(2), 123-134.
- Flannery, D. J., Rowe, D. C., & Gulley, B. L. (1993). Pubertal timing and self-concept: A comparison of early-maturing and late-maturing boys. Journal of Early Adolescence, 13(3), 337-355.
- Petersen, A. C., Crockett, L. J., Richards, M. H., & Boxer, A. M. (1988). A longitudinal study of hormonal and physical changes in early and late-maturing girls and boys. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 17(5), 535-549.
- Petersen, A. C., Sarigiani, P. A., & Kennedy, R. E. (1991). Adolescent depression and self-concept as related to pubertal status and gender. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 20(2), 123-134.