Body, Emotions, and Hormones: A Systematic Review of Body Dissatisfaction, Emotion Regulation, and Puberty in Adolescence.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review examined how puberty, emotion regulation, and body dissatisfaction relate in young people aged 6–18. Searches of five databases identified 103 studies for data extraction from 3,658 records. The review found preliminary evidence of an interplay among the three factors, with the strength of associations varying partly by pubertal stage. Positive body image was linked to more positive emotional responses to pubertal onset, whereas greater negative affect was associated with greater body dissatisfaction. Earlier, more advanced pubertal development was associated with psychological effects that persisted into adolescence.

Key findings

• The review included 103 studies involving participants aged 6–18, selected from 3,658 identified records.
• Associations among puberty, emotion regulation, and body dissatisfaction varied partly according to pubertal stage.
• Positive body image predicted positive emotional responses to pubertal onset; greater negative affect was associated with greater body dissatisfaction.
• More advanced pubertal development at an earlier age was associated with negative effects on psychological well-being persisting into adolescence.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that adolescent body dissatisfaction is best understood in the context of developmental timing and emotional responses, rather than as an isolated concern. Recognising how pubertal changes and emotion regulation may interact can inform developmentally sensitive research and help frame assessment of body-image concerns and psychological well-being during adolescence.

What to keep in mind

The review describes its evidence as preliminary, and the abstract reports no pooled quantitative estimate of the strength of associations.