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The development of problem behavior syndromes in at-risk adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2008

Joseph P. Allen,
Bonnie J. Leadbeater and
J. Lawrence Aber
Joseph P. Allen*
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Bonnie J. Leadbeater
Affiliation:
Yale University
J. Lawrence Aber
Affiliation:
Barnard College of Columbia University
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Joseph Allen, Department of Psychology, Gilmer Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
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Abstract

This study examined multiple paths that can explain the co-occurrence of behaviors comprising a problem behavior syndrome in adolescence. Two hundred sixteen 15–18-year-olds in service programs for at-risk adolescents were assessed twice over a 6–12-month period to examine predictors of changes in levels of their delinquency, unprotected sexual intercourse, and use of soft and of hard drugs. This study considered (a) potential common predictors of multiple behaviors, (b) predictive links among behaviors over time, and (c) whether or not important unique aspects of individual behaviors remain in spite of their co-occurrence. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that the co-occurrence of problem behaviors results from multiple pathways of influence. The future occurrence of several problem behaviors was predicted by adolescents' initial negative expectations in social interactions. In addition, alcohol and marijuana use predicted increases in several other problem behaviors over time. Finally, individual problem behaviors retained important unique characteristics, suggesting the need for further research examining both their syndromal and unique aspects.

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Type
Articles
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , Spring 1994, pp. 323 - 342
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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