NCJ Number
191086
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 597-622
Date Published
October 2001
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study assesses problem behavior and motivations to problem solving among high-risk adolescents.
Abstract
A model of problematic adolescent behavior was examined in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of 113 male and female adolescents. This model expands current theories of social skill deficits in delinquent behavior to consider both social skills and orientation toward the use of adaptive skills. Subjects were selected on the basis of moderate to serious risk for difficulties in social adaptation in order to focus on the population of youth most likely to be targeted by prevention efforts. Structural equation modeling was used to examine cross-sectional data using multiple informants (adolescents, peers, and parents) and multiple methods (performance test and self-report). As reflected in perceived problem solving effectiveness, identification with adult prosocial values, and self-efficacy expectations, adolescent social orientation exhibited a direct association to delinquent behavior and an indirect association to drug involvement mediated by demonstrated success in using problem solving skills. These results showed that the use of social skill theories of adolescent problem behaviors for informing preventive and remedial interventions could be enhanced by expanding them to consider adolescents’ orientation toward using the skills they might already have. There are three propositions that should be addressed in future research. One is that a negative social orientation reflects an underlying risk for engagement in problem behavior. The second is that a positive social orientation serves as a protective factor. The third arises from the question of why a positive social orientation might carry special developmental importance during adolescence. 2 notes, 4 tables, 2 figures, 78 references