6-YEAR PREDICTORS OF PROBLEMS IN A NATIONAL SAMPLE - IV - YOUNG-ADULTSIGNS OF DISTURBANCE

Objective: To identify adolescent predictors of young adult signs of d isturbance. Method: Family variables and parent and self-reported synd romes, competencies, and stressful experiences were tested as predicto rs of school dropout, unwed pregnancy, substance use, mental health se rvices, suicidal behavior, police contacts, and being fired from jobs. Results: Most signs were predictable with considerable accuracy, espe cially suicidal behavior and being fired from jobs among females. The Delinquent Behavior syndrome and poor school functioning predicted the most poor outcomes. Concurrent scores on young adult syndromes were s ignificantly associated with most signs. Conclusions: Across the diver sity of a national sample, young adult signs of disturbance were predi ctable from risk and protective factors assessed in adolescence. The p redictors can help to identify youth at risk for particular signs. Par ents are important contributors to assessment of young adults' problem s.