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Risky behaviors in late adolescence: co-occurrence, predictors, and consequences
Elizabeth C Hair1, M Jane Park, Thomson J Ling
1Child Trends, Washington, DC 20008, USA. ehair@childtrends.org
Summary
Understanding adolescent risky behaviors is key to well-being. This study identified risk profiles, showing that any negative behaviors predict adverse outcomes, informing targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health and Well-being
- Behavioral Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Research on adolescent risky behaviors has advanced, shifting towards person-centered and environmental influences.
- Understanding co-occurring behaviors and their impact on long-term well-being is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct profiles of adolescent risky behaviors.
- To investigate the predictive role of environmental factors on these risk profiles.
- To examine the relationship between risk profiles and youth outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 cohort.
- Identified profiles of risky behaviors including delinquency, substance use, and sexual behavior.
- Analyzed environmental predictors and outcomes associated with these profiles.
Main Results:
- Four risk profiles were identified: high-risk, low-risk, and two moderate-risk groups.
- Profiles involving any negative behaviors were found to predict negative outcomes.
- Environmental characteristics influenced the identified risk profiles.
Conclusions:
- Health behaviors should be assessed concurrently across multiple domains, not in isolation.
- Interventions should target adolescents across all risk levels, not exclusively high-risk individuals.
- Future research should leverage longitudinal data to further understand these critical relationships.
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