Richard Jessor Knihy

This book is the first in a series that chronicles the evolution of Problem Behavior Theory, detailing its development from a focus on deviant behavior and alcohol abuse in a tri-ethnic community to its current status as a comprehensive framework for understanding risky behavior in youth and young adults. It examines the theory's expansion to encompass psychosocial development, risk and protective factors, and health behavior within the broader societal context. Presently, Problem Behavior Theory serves as an interdisciplinary approach to investigating personal and societal influences on both normative and problematic behaviors. Chapters emphasize the theory's significant contributions to social science and its potential to guide evidence-based interventions and prevention programs for youth. Key topics include the Tri-Ethnic Community Study, the Socialization of Problem Behavior in Youth Study, the Young Adult Follow-up Study, the problem behavior syndrome, the cross-national applicability of the theory, and its relationship with adolescent pro-social behavior. This resource is essential for researchers, clinicians, and graduate students in social and developmental psychology, criminology, public health, social work, and related fields.

Focusing on the social context's impact on adolescent behavior, this volume delves into Problem Behavior Theory, emphasizing how disadvantaged environments influence youth health and development. It analyzes diverse urban settings, from U.S. inner cities to Nairobi and Beijing, revealing how young individuals navigate challenges and achieve success despite adversity. The work also addresses methodological and conceptual issues in behavioral science, advocating for a comprehensive approach that incorporates social-psychological perspectives and systematic theory to understand adolescent growth.

This second volume of Richard Jessor’s influential works applies his groundbreaking theory to the psychosocial determinants of adolescent health. It examines various health-compromising and health-enhancing behaviors, such as problem drinking, marijuana use, risky driving, and early sexual experiences, alongside regular exercise and healthy diets. The writings enhance understanding of health behavior's role in adolescence and development. Chapters demonstrate the theory's relevance and its interdisciplinary approach for researching behavioral health in youth and designing prevention/intervention programs for healthy development. Comparative studies of U.S. and Chinese youth illustrate the theory's applicability across different societal contexts. Key topics include alcohol use and problem drinking, psychosocial research on marijuana, early sexual initiation, smoking behaviors, risky driving changes, and the importance of healthy eating and exercise. This volume is an essential resource for researchers, professors, clinicians, and graduate students in developmental and health psychology, sociology, criminology, criminal justice, public health, and related fields.