Predictors of behavioral problems in adolescents: family, personal and demographic variables

Abstract This study aimed to correlate, compare and identify the family, personal and demographic variables that may predict behavioral problems in adolescents. A total of 300 adolescents participated, 230 with behavioral problems (177 girls and 53 boys; M= 14.00 years; SD=1.24) and 70 without (47 girls and 23 boys; M=14.09 years; SD=1.33). Data was collected through questionnaires and inventories completed by adolescents and analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, Student’s t-tests and multiple binary logistic regression. Results showed low self-control as a risk factor and social skills and low frequency of physical abuse and maternal neglect as protection factors. The model evaluated had a reasonable predictive power (79.9%, specificity 93.9% and sensitivity 34.3%). The findings contribute to the prevention of behavioral problems in adolescents.