AgricultureHuman DevelopmentNutritionChild DevelopmentDevelopmental PsychologyHuman NutritionChild GrowthHormonal InfluencesHuman HealthMalnutritionPsychological StressPubertyMenarche TimingStress EffectsStress Effects On Pubertal Development
The decrease in age of menarche and the increase in height and weight which have occurred in many countries of the world in the last century are examined. A Stimulation-Stress Factor Hypothesis (SSF) is developed which is viewed as a better explanation for the secular trend than is the frequently given nutritional hypothesis. It is also suggested that stimulation and stress may be an important ingredient in human development. (EXCERPT)