NCJ Number
201534
Journal
Journal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 194-209
Date Published
2002
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the possibility of gender differences in conduct problems and other types of problems among adolescents in Norway.
Abstract
In addition to studying conduct problems, the authors also questioned whether other types of problems, such as substance abuse, suicidal behaviors, and emotional problems in adolescents can be predicted based on gender. The authors examined data from a large population survey of 9,342 Norwegian adolescents conducted in 1992. Participants included students in grades 7 through 12 in 67 schools who completed the self-administered questionnaire at school. Conduct problems were measured using the variables of “theft and vandalism,” “school opposition,” and “covert behavior.” Differences in conduct problems by gender depended upon the type of conduct problems considered. No gender differences were found for the conduct problems of covert behavior, but theft and vandalism and school opposition were found to be more prevalent among male adolescents. Male adolescents also displayed more problems with the externalizing problems of alcohol intoxication and illegal drug use than did females. The authors draw on the shared risk factor explanation to account for gender differences in conduct behavior. The findings have implications for intervention programs designed to reduce problem behaviors among adolescents. Tables, references