Darnell, B. (2014, January ). Listening to the data. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from Amle

A longitudinal study published in Child Development has shown that trying to grow up too soon is a good predictor of long-term difficulties. When pseudomature behavior (such as minor delinquency or precocious romantic involvement) occurs early in adolescence it can reflect an overemphasis on wanting to impress peers, and predict long-term adjustment problems. In the study, 184 adolescents in the south-eastern United States were followed from ages 13 to 23. At age 13, pseudomature behavior was linked to an increased desire for peer popularity and led to short-term success with peers. Adolescents who engaged most in pseudomature behavior were also those who valued being popular most highly.