Developmental Patterns (From Multiple Problem Youth: Delinquency, Substance Use, and Mental Health Problems, P 118-136, 1989, Delbert S Elliott, David Huizinga, et al -- See NCJ-119536)

• NCJ Number: 119540
• Author(s): D S Elliott; D Huizinga; S Menard
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH27552; 78-JN-AX-0003; 83-IJ-CX-0063
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP); National Institute of Mental Health; US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: Springer-Verlag
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After examining patterns of the onset and termination of delinquent and ADM (alcohol, drugs, and mental health) problem behaviors, this study examines patterns of transition (escalation and de-escalation) within delinquency and ADM behaviors, with attention to the temporal order in which the problem behaviors occur.

Abstract

Data were taken from the National Youth Survey, a longitudinal study of delinquent and ADM behaviors among youth. Findings support a developmental progression of delinquent and ADM behaviors. Relatively minor involvement in problem behavior (minor delinquency, alcohol use) consistently tends to precede more serious involvement. Within delinquency and drug use types, progression seems to occur in small, gradual steps. Gradual progression, with many persons stopping permanently at each stage, is the dominant pattern. Most youth either do not initiate or else suspend their involvement in problem behavior prior to leaving adolescence, a pattern consistent with the developmental progression implied by the Maturational Reform hypothesis. This hypothesis holds that illegal behavior increases in early adolescence, is highest in middle to late adolescence, and then declines in early adulthood. 6 tables.