THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR SYNDROMES IN AT-RISK ADOLESCENTS

This study examined multiple paths that can explain the co-occurrence of behaviors comprising a problem behavior syndrome in adolescence. Tw o hundred sixteen 15-18-year-olds in service programs for at-risk adol escents were assessed twice over a 6-12-month period to examine predic tors of changes in levels of their delinquency, unprotected sexual int ercourse, and use of soft and of hard drugs. This study considered (a) potential common predictors of multiple behaviors, (b) predictive lin ks among behaviors over time, and (c) whether or not important unique aspects of individual behaviors remain in spite of their co-occurrence . Results were consistent with the hypothesis that the co-occurrence o f problem behaviors results from multiple pathways of influence. The f uture occurrence of several problem behaviors was predicted by adolesc ents' initial negative expectations in social interactions. In additio n, alcohol and marijuana use predicted increases in several other prob lem behaviors over time. Finally, individual problem behaviors retaine d important unique characteristics, suggesting the need for further re search examining both their syndromal and unique aspects.