Sex Differences in the Manifestation of Adolescent Problem Behaviors

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the manifestation of conduct disorder among girls versus boys, despite increasing rates among girls. Moreover, it has been well-established that adolescent conduct disorder is correlated with other problem behaviors (e.g., substance use, status offenses, and risky sexual behaviors), and there is evidence that there are differences by sex and ethnicity in the likelihood of exhibiting specific patterns of these problem behaviors. It has been suggested that a dimensional approach may provide a more accurate conceptualization of adolescent externalizing behaviors, particularly among girls. To address these issues, this study used a nationally representative sample to examine patterns of adolescent problem behaviors across sex and ethnicity. Latent class analysis was used to determine classes of problem behaviors and to model differences in class membership by sex and ethnicity. Behaviors examined included violent and non-violent criminal behavior, drug and alcohol use, risky sexual activity, and status offenses. A model with five latent classes of problem behaviors provided the best representation of the data. One class represented high levels of problem behaviors, one represented low levels of problem behaviors, and three classes represented high levels of specific problem behaviors. These classes were characterized respectively by (a) high levels of criminal activity, (b) high levels of substance use, and (c) high levels of risky sexual activity. Differences existed in the likelihood of belonging to each class, such that boys were more likely to belong to the "high problem behavior," "criminal activity," and "risky sexual activity" classes. Girls were more likely to belong to the "substance use" and "low problem behavior" classes. These results suggest that a broader definition of externalizing behavior may more accurately capture adolescent behavior patterns, particularly among girls. Implications of findings and direction for future research are discussed.