NCJ Number
241639
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: 57-79
Date Published
January 2013
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This study examined the structure of problem behaviors and assessed stability and change in these behaviors across adolescence.
Abstract
Data collected as part of the Projects on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) were used to examine (1) the underlying structure of adolescent problem behavior, (2) continuity and change in patterns of problem behaviors across mid to late adolescence and (3) the risk and protective factors related to observed patterns of behavior. The data used in this study were taken from Waves 2 and 3 of Cohorts 12 and 15 of PHDCN (n = 1,124). The results suggested that a 4-class categorical model (i.e., latent class analysis) best represents the pattern of responses to behavioral items used to measure delinquency, substance use, and risky sexual practices. The analyses revealed patterns of stability, escalation, and de-escalation, as well as differential risk across the four groups. Implications for understanding problem behaviors and prevention and intervention strategy are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.