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Abstract

The description of Problem-Behavior Theory that follows is an abbreviated and slightly revised version of Chapter 2 from our book, Beyond Adolescence: Problem Behavior and Young Adult Development (Jessor/Donovan/Costa 1991). It provides an overview of the conceptual structure and the essential elements of the theory as it has been used in numerous studies and in the design and evaluation of prevention/intervention programs for adolescents. Over the past decade, our research program has widened its focus to accommodate the larger domain of risk behavior that can compromise adolescent well-being, health, and the life course. The domain of risk behavior includes not only the traditional problem behaviors, such as illicit drug use and aggression, but also inadequate social role performance, such as poor school progress, health-compromising behaviors, such as insufficient exercise and poor dietary practices, and mental health difficulties, such as depression and anxiety.

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© 2001 Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

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Jessor, R. (2001). Problem-Behavior Theory. In: Raithel, J. (eds) Risikoverhaltensweisen Jugendlicher. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-663-11310-2_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-663-11310-2_3

  • Publisher Name: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-663-11311-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-663-11310-2

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