Health Education Research, Vol. 12, No. 1, 37-52, 1997
© 1997 Oxford University Press
research-article |
Psychosocial correlates of health compromising behaviors among adolescents
Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55454–1015
1Division of Helath Management and Policy, School of Public Health and Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
The objective of the present study was to examine psychosocial correlates of diverse health-compromising behaviors among adolescents of different ages. The study population included 123 132 adolesents in sixth, ninth and 12th grades. Psychosocial correlates of substance abuse, delinquency, suicide risk, sexual activity and unhealthy weight loss behaviors were examined. Risk-taking disposition was significantly associated with nearly every behavior across age and gender groups. Other consistent correlates included sexual abuse and family connectedness. Correlates of health-compromising behaviors tended to be consistent across age groups. However, stronger associations were noted between sexual abuse and substance use for younger adolescents, and risk-taking disposition and school achievement were stronger correlated for older youth. The results suggest the presence of both common and unique etiological factors for different health-compromising behaviors among youth. The results emphasize the importance of focusing on positive ‘risk-taking’ experiences for youth in prevention programs; being sensitive to possible sexual abuse experiences among both female and male adolescents in health-care consultations; integrating strategies for improved family connectedness into health promotion efforts; and making school relevant for all adolescents.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  S. R. Daniels, M. S. Jacobson, B. W. McCrindle, R. H. Eckel, and B. M. Sanner American Heart Association Childhood Obesity Research Summit: Executive Summary Circulation, April 21, 2009; 119(15): 2114 - 2123. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. R. Daniels, M. S. Jacobson, B. W. McCrindle, R. H. Eckel, and B. M. Sanner American Heart Association Childhood Obesity Research Summit Report Circulation, April 21, 2009; 119(15): e489 - e517. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 E. H. McWhirter and B. T. McWhirter Adolescent Future Expectations of Work, Education, Family, and Community Development of a New Measure Youth Society, December 1, 2008; 40(2): 182 - 202. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 M. Jones, K. H. Luce, M. I. Osborne, K. Taylor, D. Cunning, A. C. Doyle, D. E. Wilfley, and C. B. Taylor Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Internet-Facilitated Intervention for Reducing Binge Eating and Overweight in Adolescents Pediatrics, March 1, 2008; 121(3): 453 - 462. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 N. Makhija and L. Sher Childhood abuse, adult alcohol use disorders and suicidal behaviour QJM, May 1, 2007; 100(5): 305 - 309. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 V. Y. Chang, T. L. Bendel, C. Koopman, E. L. McGarvey, and R. J. Canterbury Delinquents' Safe Sex Attitudes: Relationships With Demographics, Resilience Factors, and Substance Use Criminal Justice and Behavior, April 1, 2003; 30(2): 210 - 229. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 I. W. Borowsky and M. D. Resnick Environmental Stressors and Emotional Status of Adolescents Who Have Been in Special Education Classes Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, April 1, 1998; 152(4): 377 - 382. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. J. Potthoff, L. H. Bearinger, C. L. Skay, N. Cassuto, R. W. Blum, and M. D. Resnick Dimensions of Risk Behaviors Among American Indian Youth Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, February 1, 1998; 152(2): 157 - 163. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|