Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of an Assessment Tool for Deviant Behavior in Adolescence

Abstract

The study explores the psychometric properties of a deviant behavior scale for adolescents based on Jessor’s problem behavior theory. The sample consisted of 2191 Italian adolescents aged between 13 and 24 years ( M = 16.2, SD = 1.6) attending different types of secondary schools in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta. The results demonstrate goodness of fit for a three interrelated factor model corresponding to the three most common deviant behaviors in adolescents – “physical aggression,” “theft and vandalism,” and “lying and disobedience.” Furthermore, the three dimensions prove to possess a satisfactory degree of reliability. Multigroup analyses show that the three-factor structure is substantially stable over age and gender subgroups.