ON THE STRUCTURE AND DIMENSIONALITY OF HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS

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.