The goal of this investigation was to identify vulnerability and protective factors related to profiles of risk encapsulating the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors (sexual activity, general alcohol use, binge drinking, cigarette use, marijuana use, other illicit drug use, fighting, and suicide). The sample includes 12,578 students in grades 9 -12 (6,413 females and 6,165 males) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of students. Differences among four profiles of risk behaviors were assessed separately by gender for factors in four domains: psychosocial adjustment, daily activities, school, and family. Results indicate that profiles of risk are related to vulnerability and protective factors in the psychosocial adjustment, school, and family domains. Students in the lowest risk profiles reported consistently higher levels of protective factors and lower levels of vulnerability factors than students in any other risk profiles. Likewise, students in the highest risk profiles reported consistently lower levels of protective factors and higher levels of vulnerability factors than those in any other risk profiles. Other profiles of risk characterized by specific risk behaviors had different patterns of results. In some cases students in profiles of risk distinguished by higher levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviors reported similar levels of vulnerability and protection as the highest risk profiles. In addition, students in profiles consisting of sexually active, substance using teens reported higher levels of protective factors and lower levels of vulnerability factors than both the highest risk profiles and the profiles distinguished by suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, a participant will be able to identify vulnerability and protective factors that relate to youth participation in multiple health risk behaviors.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Risky Behaviors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.