An empirical typology of behavior styles was developed to define distinct variations of healthy, marginal, at risk, and maladjusted behavior. On the basis ofa stratified national sample (N = 1,400) of youths ages 5-17 years, multistage hierarchical cluster analyses with independent replications were applied to identify 22 distinct styles and severity across measures of behavior pathology. Initial behavioral measures were obtained through standardized teacher observations using the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents. For each consequent behavior style, relative population prevalence is reported, as well as distinguishing demographic features and significant trends for intellectual functioning, academic achievement, concomitant risk and protective factors, and comorbidity. Results are compared with those of recent epidemiologic surveys, and application of the typology is demonstrated for differential classification and hypothesis generation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
McDermott et al. (1995) studied this question.