Pubertal Self‐Efficacy: A Novel Protective Factor for Adolescent Mental Health During Puberty

Consistent with previous literature, youth who reported higher levels of general and puberty-specific stress also reported more symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, we found pubertal self-efficacy significantly attenuated the relationships of both general and puberty-specific stress on symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Importantly, pubertal self-efficacy was unrelated to youths' level of pubertal maturation, suggesting that pubertal self-efficacy is a distinct psychological resource independent of pubertal status. These findings offer initial promise in guiding consideration of pubertal self-efficacy in adolescent mental health, particularly as a malleable target for interventions aimed at reducing psychopathology during this sensitive developmental period.