Social orientation: Problem behavior and motivations toward interpersonal problem solving among high risk adolescents

A model of problematic adolescent behavior that expands current theories of social skill deficits in delinquent behavior to consider both social skill s and orientation toward the use of adaptive skills was examined in an ethn ically and socioeconomically diverse sample of 113 male and female adolesce nts. Adolescents were selected on the basis of moderate to serious risk for difficulties in social adaptation in order to focus on the population of y outh most likely to be targeted by prevention efforts. Structural equation modeling was used to examine cross-sectional data using multiple informants (adolescents, peers, and parents) and multiple methods (performance test a nd self-report). Adolescent social orientation, as reflected in perceived p roblem solving effectiveness, identification with adult prosocial values, a nd self-efficacy expectations, exhibited a direct association to delinquent behavior and an indirect association to drug involvement mediated by demon strated success in using problem solving skills. Results suggest that the u tility of social skill theories of adolescent problem behaviors for informi ng preventive and remedial interventions can be enhanced by expanding them to consider adolescents' orientation toward using the skills they may alrea dy, possess.