Evening-preference and Adolescent Problems

August 2007 - Research by Elizabeth J. Susman, the Jean Phillips Shibley professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State, and colleagues, published recently in Developmental Psychology suggests that early adolescents who prefer evening to morning activities are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior. Previous studies focusing on older adolescents showed a similar link with psychological problems. Results also indicate that atypical secretions of the hormone cortisol and early puberty are linked to problem behavior, with findings stronger for boys than girls.

Elizabeth J. Susman elaborated:

"Morningness/eveningness refers to individual differences in sleep-wake patterns and preferences for activity and alertness during mornings or evenings."

Researchers explain that cortisol regulates mechanisms such as the fight-flight response and immune activity connected to sensory acuity and elements o