THE PREDICTION OF POOR OUTCOME IN YOUNG-ADULTS - COMPARISON OF THE YOUNG-ADULT SELF-REPORT, THE GENERAL HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE AND THE SYMPTOM CHECKLIST

The ability of the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR), the Symptom Checkli st (SCL-90) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to predict m aladjustment across a 2-year time-span was assessed in a general popul ation sample of 528 18- to 22-year-olds. Referral for mental health se rvices and need for professional help were predicted by total problem scores of the YASR, the GHQ-28 and the SCL-90 and by the internalizing scale of the YASR. Furthermore, the internalizing scale predicted sui cide attempts or suicidal ideation, whereas the externalizing scale pr edicted police contacts. The YASR delinquent behavior syndrome was the only significant predictor of alcohol abuse. The findings supported t he validity of the YASR as an instrument for the assessment of psychop athology in young adults.