Testing a Model of the Influence of Family Problem Factors on High-Risk Youths' Troubled Behavior: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Using data collected in a study of arrested youths processed at a juvenile assessment center who entered a home-based family intervention project, the authors test a three-stage longitudinal model. The model reflects a developmental damage view of the relationships of the youths' family problems (including their physical abuse and sexual victimization experiences) to their drug use and delinquent behavior over time. The hypothesized model is supported by the data. Research, theoretical, and policy implications of the results are drawn.

Keywords:

• family problems and youth troubled behavior
• youth delinquency
• youth drug use
• youth problem behavior