Pubertal Timing and Suicidal Ideation and Attempts: Sex Differences in the Links Through Bullying and Victimization and Internalizing Problems

Key Points

• Early and late pubertal timing increases the risk of suicidal ideation in adolescents, particularly among girls.
• The association between pubertal timing and suicide attempts is mediated by factors like bullying and internalizing problems.
• Sex differences are evident, with boys and girls experiencing different risks linked to pubertal timing and mental health.
• Addressing bullying and victimization may help mitigate the impact of poor pubertal timing on suicidal behaviors.