Dimensions Underlying Problem Behaviors, Emotions, and Related Psychosocial Factors in Early and Middle Adolescents

Abstract

The study investigated the relationships of problem behaviors, emotions, and psychosocial factors. Self-report measures of the variables were obtained from 711 junior high school students from 12 to 16 years of age. A multidimensional scaling (MDS) of the data identified a three-dimensional model "positive coping resources/negative coping re-sources," "rebellion from adult norms/conformity to adult norms," and "secretive! obvious") that fit both for males and for females and accounted for 85% of the variance in the data. The model suggested that males who do not have positive coping resources (adult support inside or outside of the family and high self-esteem) may externalize (act out) their problems whereasfemales who lack positive coping resources may internalize their problems and report depressive symptoms. Intervening with these adolescents to increase their positive coping resources, particularly supportive adults in their environment, may assist them to limit their internalizing and externalizing behaviors.