Directionality Between Tolerance of Deviance and Deviant Behavior is Age-Moderated in Chronically Stressed Youth

Abstract

Problem behavior theory posits that tolerance of deviance is an antecedent to antisocial behavior and substance use. In contrast, cognitive dissonance theory implies that acceptability of a behavior may increase after experiencing the behavior. Using structural equation modeling, this investigation tested whether changes in tolerance of deviance precede changes in conduct disorder criteria or substance use or vice versa, or if they change concomitantly. Two-year longitudinal data from 246 8- to 16-year-olds suggested that tolerance of deviance increases after conduct disorder criteria or substance use in 8-to-10- and 11-to-12-year-olds. These results were consistent with cognitive dissonance theory. In 13-to-16-year-olds, no directionality was suggested, consistent with neither theory. These results were replicated in boys and girls and for different types of conduct disorder criteria aggression (covert behavior), deceitfulness and vandalism (overt behavior), and serious rule-breaking (authority conflict). The age-specific directionality between tolerance of deviance and conduct disorder criteria or substance use is consistent with unique etiologies between early onset versus adolescent-onset subtypes of behavior problems.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• children
• conduct disorder criteria
• substance use
• tolerance of deviance

Acknowledgments

This investigation was funded by grants from NIDA (K01-00434) and the Pennsylvania State University Children, Youth, and Families Consortium.

Notes

Notes: N = 246. In separate age groups, N = 61 for ages 8 to 10, N = 103 for ages 11 to 12, and N = 82 for ages 13 to 16. Matching superscripts in two cells in the same row and same year differed at p < .01. Number of Drugs Used ranged from 0 to 3 for use of alcohol, tobacco, and inhalants.

Note: Table entries are Pearson correlations, all of which attained p < .001.

*p < .05; **p < .001.

Note: N = 246. Parenthetical values are fit statistics when parameters are constrained across age groups. LR χ² provides a χ² test for model differences. AIC = Akaike's Information Criterion (smaller values indicate better fit). CFI = comparative fit index (greater values indicate better fit).

**p < .01.

*p < .05; **p < .001.