BIOSOCIAL MODELS OF ADOLESCENT PROBLEM BEHAVIOR - EXTENSION TO PANEL DESIGN

We extended the biosocial model of problem behavior tested by Udry (19 90) to a panel design, following a sample of over one hundred boys in adolescence for three years. We found the expected results for sociolo gical variables, but weaker effects for testosterone than Udry found o n cross-sectional data. Using panel models with lagged hormone effects , we identified relationships between Time-1 testosterone and problem behavior one year or more later. The relationship between testosterone and problem behavior was not present for subsequent measures of testo sterone, either in cross-section or with time-lagged models. Therefore we cannot interpret the results as showing testosterone effects on pr oblem behavior. Rather it appears that testosterone level in early ado lescence is a marker for a more general growth trajectory of early dev elopment.