Gender and grade-level comparisons in the structure of problem behaviors among adolescents

Based on Jessor's theory (1987) the comparability of a second-order problem behavior model (SPBM) was investigated across gender and grade-level among adolescents. In addition, gender and grade-level differences in problem behavior engagement were addressed examining latent mean differences. Using a sample of 6504 adolescents drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a series of invariance tests evidenced partial invariance. The non-invariance of SPBM resulted from aggression across gender and grade-level. Latent mean difference test results showed greater differences in academic failure, aggression, substance use, and risky sexual activity among males compared to females. Results also showed greater engagement in academic failure, substance use, and risky sexual activity among upper vs. lower grade students. Overall, analyses revealed that both gender and grade-level differences could be explained by the common cause problem behavior syndrome (PBS), offering further support for Jessor's theory.