title: Modeling problem behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.
abstract: Research on multiple problem behaviors has focused on the concept of Problem Behavior Syndrome (PBS). Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) is a complex and comprehensive social-psychological framework designed to explain the development of a range of problem behaviors. This study examines the structure of PBS and the applicability of PBT in adolescents. Participants were 6062 adolescents; aged 12-19 (51.3% female) who took part in the My World Survey-Second Level (MWS-SL). Regarding PBS, Confirmatory Factor Analysis established that problem behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use loaded significantly onto a single, latent construct for males and females. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the PBT framework was found to be a good fit for males and females. Socio-demographic, perceived environment system and personality accounted for over 40% of the variance in problem behaviors for males and females. Our findings have important implications for understanding how differences in engaging in problem behaviors vary by gender.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors.forename: Kate L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dolphin
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Headstrong: The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, 16 Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Electronic address: barbara.dooley@ucd.ie.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dooley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008960:Models, Psychological; D000066553:Problem Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D066252:Sociological Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescence; Gender differences; Problem behavior syndrome; Problem behavior theory; Psychosocial