Problem behavior: the double symptom of adolescence.
In this article we address several issues regarding problem or antisocial behavior in adolescents. First, we discuss conceptualizations of adolescent problem behavior to answer the question 'What do we think we know so far?" Then, we briefly characterize current interventions designed to reduce these behaviors, and their relative success in doing so. Next, we examine earlier attempts to prevent and ameliorate problem behavior (including juvenile delinquency), situating them in the historical context of America from the turn of the century to World War II. Here, we attempt to answer the questions "How did we get to where we are?" and "How can we learn from the past?" Following this, we try to answer the question "Where do we go from here?" and articulate some research and policy implications relevant to developmental psychopathology that arise from these considerations. We argue that problem behavior is viewed most productively in its double aspect, which John Hughlings Jackson called a "double symptom," with the positive aspect of the symptom reflecting adolescents' attempts to satisfy their developmental needs.
Siegel
A W
AW
Department of Psychology, University of Houston, TX 77204-5341, USA.
Scovill
L C
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D011640:Public Policy; D012737:Sex Factors; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology