Codeveloping Trajectories of Antisocial Behavior, Alcohol Use, Depression, and Anxiety During Adolescence
Description:... Antisocial behavior, alcohol use, depression, and anxiety are the most common problems experienced by adolescents. It is well established that the majority of youth who experience one of these problems are more likely than not to experience a subsequent problem. Adolescents who experience multiple problems have the poorest outcomes and experience difficulties in multiple domains such as school, family, peers, and work. The occurrence and consequences of multiple problem youth are so great that much research has been devoted to this topic. Despite this attention, most research has focused on disorder rather than symptomology and there are many inconsistencies, limitations, and gaps in the literature. Understanding these linkages at the symptom level is crucial to interrupting this sequence. The present study uses a prospective longitudinal design and multiple-group, second-order parallel process latent growth curve modeling to examine the relations between the developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior, alcohol use, depression, and anxiety symptomology across adolescence and their interrelations--a first of its kind. Each outcome was assessed using multiple measures at four time points over a 5-year period in a sample of 451 young adolescents, beginning in the 8 th grade (age: M = 14.08, SD = 0.42). In line with previous research, a significant association was found among all the symptom domains studied. However, fewer longitudinal relations were found between the different emotional and behavioral problems than previous research suggests. The results of this study clearly show that conduct problems are a risk factor for increases in depression and anxiety. And, anxiety was a strong indicator of subsequent problems with depression. There was no evidence that either antisocial behavior or alcohol use influenced the trajectory of the other. Theoretical explanations for these associations are reviewed. The present study sheds new light on the codeveloping trajectories of four problems commonly experienced by adolescents. The findings of this study can help aid preventive efforts because symptoms of one disorder can be used to identify and intervene with populations at risk for symptoms of a secondary disorder. With this knowledge, these efforts have the potential to greatly reduce costs to human life and society.
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