The structure of interrelations among different health-related behavio
urs was studied in a sample of Norwegian adolescents. Whereas some stu
dies have suggested that health-related behaviour is unidimensional, o
ther studies have supported the notion of multi-dimensionality, and mo
st recently, bi-dimensionality. A multiple level, hierarchical factor
model was developed through the combined use of exploratory and confir
matory (LISREL) analysis. On the first-order level a multi-dimensional
model was extracted. On the second-order level, three more general di
mensions appeared: 'High-action', 'Addiction' and 'Protection'. Finall
y, at the third-order level a single bi-polar dimension was found, dif
ferentiating between health-enhancing and health-threatening behaviour
. A comprehensive hierarchical model, including first-, second- and th
ird-order factors yielded good fit to the data. The results suggest th
at health-related behaviour can be conceptualised as concurrently mult
idimensional, few-dimensional and uni-dimensional. Further, through th
e aggregation of increasingly broader classes of behaviour, increasing
ly more general behaviour dispositions can be identified. Methodologic
ally, the results suggest a general potential for higher-order factor
models.