PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF HEALTH COMPROMISING BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS

The objective of the present study was to examine psychosocial correla tes of diverse health-compromising behaviors among adolescents of diff erent ages, The study population included 123 132 adolescents in sixth , ninth and 12th grades, Psychosocial correlates of substance abuse, d elinquency, suicide risk, sexual activity and unhealthy weight loss be haviors were examined, Risk-taking disposition was significantly assoc iated with nearly every behavior across age and gender groups. Other c onsistent correlates included sexual abuse and family connectedness, C orrelates of health-compromising behaviors tended to be consistent acr oss age groups, However, stronger associations were noted between sexu al abuse and substance use for younger adolescents, and risk-taking di sposition and school achievement were stronger correlates for older yo uth, The results suggest the presence of both common and unique etiolo gical factors for different health-compromising behaviors among youth, The results emphasize the importance of focusing on positive 'risk-ta king' experiences for youth in prevention programs; being sensitive to possible sexual abuse experiences among both female and male adolesce nts in health-care consultations; integrating strategies for improved family connectedness into health promotion efforts; and making school relevant for all adolescents.