The predominant model guiding our understanding of developmental mechanisms contributing to the co-occurrence of adolescent antisocial behavior, substance use, and risky sexual activity is problem behavior theory (Udry et al. 1995). In this model, high levels of aggressive-disruptive behavior in childhood are viewed as a common risk factor for all three adolescent problems, as they reflect a rebellious orientation toward authority and lack of social control. As youth move into the early adolescent years and transition into middle school, their opportunities for rule-breaking behaviors are enhanced by reduced adult monitoring, increased mobility, and increased opportunity to affiliate with other deviant peers who provide exposure, access to, and encouragement for a range of acting-out behaviors, including sexual activity, tobacco, and alcohol/drug use (Ellickson et al. 2001).
