Reward Sensitivity, Pubertal Development, and Circadian Rhythms: A Window into Adolescent Risk for Depressive Symptoms

Pubertal maturation is linked to changes in the reward and circadian systems, which may increase vulnerability to psychopathology. Less is known about the associations between reward and circadian systems preceding onset of psychopathology. The current study examined associations between trait reward sensitivity, circadian rhythms, pubertal development, and depressive symptoms. Participants (n = 320) were recruited from the Philadelphia area and included 57.5% Females with an average age of 15.12 (SD: 1.02). Participants completed self-reports and one week of actigraphy. Adolescents with higher reward sensitivity and greater pubertal maturity showed greater circadian rhythm disruption. Circadian disruption in combination with reward sensitivity levels predicted differential changes in depressive symptoms, potentially contributing to the understanding of mental health difficulties in adolescence.