Adolescent Prosocial Values and Self-Efficacy in Relation to Delinquency, Risky Sexual Behavior, and Drug Use

The present study examined relations of prosocial values and three measures of self-efficacy as predictors of delinquency, risky sex, and drug use in a sample of 2,146 racially diverse adolescents. It also explored moderating effects on the relations between self-efficacy and values on the three problem behaviors. Adolescents with strong prosocial values and self-efficacy reported fewer problem behaviors. Implications for program development and implementation based on differential needs by race and gender are discussed.