Transcript Problem behavior theory

PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
THEORY
By: Kaeli Larsen
Background

Theorist
 Richard

Jessor in the 1960’s
Significance
 Problem
behavior = imbalance
 Environment
 Personality
 Behavior
Constructs
Perceived-Environment
Examples of Behavior Proneness
Social Controls
Drinking, sex, etc.
Models
Peer Pressure
Support
Parental Influence
Constructs
Personality System
Examples of Behavior Proneness
Values
Low Self-Esteem
Expectations
Low Academic Value
Beliefs
Low Religiosity
Attitudes
Independence
Constructs
Behavior System
Examples of Behavior Proneness
Problem Behaviors
General Deviant Behavior
Conventional Behaviors
Socially Approved Behavior
Model
PerceivedEnvironment
a
Personality System
Behavior System
Psychosocial
Proneness
Proneness to Engage in
Behavior
Research Example

Siebenbruner (2007)
 16-year
study surveying about 167 children ages 6, 9,
12, 13, and 16.
 What
 Split
factors contribute to sexual risk-behaviors.
up into three categories
 Sexually
Abstinent (SA’s)
 Low-Risk Takers (LRT’s)
 High-Risk Takers (HRT’s)
Research Example

Results
 SA’s
were involved in school, church, and other
activities.
 LRT’s
matured physically first and were involved in
alcohol use.
 HRT’s
were born with disadvantage and were involved
in substance abuse.
Research Example

Limitations
 Sample
size was small
 Imbalanced
 In
between gender, race, ethnicity
one area
 Observed physical maturation
Limitations

Long-term behavior may vary

Social context may vary
 Family
 Peers
 School
Conclusion

Imbalance between personality, behavior, and
perceived environment = problem behavior

Predict what factors relate to problem behavior

Few variables
References


Costa, F. (2008). Problem behavior theory – a brief
overview. www.colorado.edu
Siebenbruner, J., Zimmer-Gembeck, M.J., Egeland, B.
(2007). Sexual partners and contraceptive use: a
16-year prospective study predicting abstinence
and risk behavior. Journal of Research on
Adolescence, 17, 179-206.