THE STRUCTURE OF PROBLEM AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOR AMONG AMERICAN-INDIAN ADOLESCENTS - GENDER AND COMMUNITY DIFFERENCES

Using Problem-Behavior Theory as a framework, the latent structure of problem and positive behaviors was examined within a sample of 1,894 A merican Indian adolescents. Support was found for a two-factor second- order structure in which problem behaviors (antisocial behavior alcoho l use, drug use, and risky sexual behavior) and positive behaviors (sc hool success, cultural activities, competencies, and community-mindedn ess) represented two relatively uncorrelated aspects of behavior Hiera rchical multiple regressions demonstrated that the positive behaviors construct contributed significant incremental construct validity in th e statistical prediction of psychosocial outcomes, over and above the problem behaviors. In addition, the fit of the structure was examined across gender and the four participating communities. The importance o f the inclusion of positive behaviors is discussed from the standpoint of both prevention/promotion activities and the communities' percepti ons. Further recommendations are made for deeper understandings of com munity concerns and strengths in conducting preventive/promotive resea rch efforts.