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Perception of Problem Behavior – Pittsburgh Youth Study
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About Perception of Problem Behavior – Pittsburgh Youth Study
Scale Name
Perception of Problem Behavior – Pittsburgh Youth Study
Author Details
Rolf Loeber, David P. Farrington, Magda Stouthamer-Loeber, and Welmoet B. Van Kammen
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Perception of Problem Behavior scale, developed by Rolf Loeber, David P. Farrington, Magda Stouthamer-Loeber, and Welmoet B. Van Kammen in 1998 as part of the Pittsburgh Youth Study (PYS), is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure willingness to engage in problem behaviors among male students. The PYS, a longitudinal study initiated in 1987-1988, followed boys initially in grades 1, 4, and 7 (ages approximately 6, 9, and 12) into adulthood to examine the development of antisocial behavior, delinquency, and mental health issues. Published in Antisocial Behavior and Mental Health Problems: Explanatory Factors in Childhood and Adolescence (Loeber et al., 1998), the scale aligns with Problem Behavior Theory (Jessor & Jessor, 1977), which posits that attitudes favoring deviance predict engagement in risky behaviors like delinquency, substance use, or aggression.
The scale comprises 18 items rated on a binary scale (0 = “No,” 1 = “Yes”), assessing whether respondents would engage in specific problem behaviors, such as stealing, fighting, or substance use (e.g., “Would you take something from a store without paying for it?”). Scores range from 0 to 18, with higher scores indicating greater willingness to engage in problem behaviors. Validated in a diverse urban sample of African-American and Caucasian boys in Pittsburgh public schools, the scale is used to identify risk factors for delinquency and inform prevention strategies. Its longitudinal design allows tracking of behavioral trajectories over time.
Psychologists, criminologists, and public health researchers use the scale to assess attitudes toward deviance, evaluate intervention programs, and study the precursors of serious offending. Its high internal consistency and longitudinal validation make it robust, though its English-only availability, male-only focus, and reliance on self-reported intentions may limit generalizability and predictive accuracy for actual behavior.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a copy of the Perception of Problem Behavior scale from primary sources, such as Loeber et al. (1998) in Antisocial Behavior and Mental Health Problems or authorized archives like the Pittsburgh Youth Study (University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry), ensuring ethical use permissions.
- Explain the purpose to respondents, noting that it assesses their thoughts about certain behaviors to understand youth development, emphasizing confidentiality and using age-appropriate, culturally sensitive language.
- Provide instructions, asking respondents to answer each of the 18 items with “Yes” (1) or “No” (0) based on whether they would engage in the described behaviors.
- Approximate time for completion is 5-7 minutes, depending on reading ability.
- Administer in a classroom, research, or community setting, using paper or digital formats, ensuring a private environment to promote honest responses. Oral administration may be used for younger children or those with reading difficulties.
Reliability and Validity
The Perception of Problem Behavior scale demonstrates strong psychometric properties, as reported in Loeber et al. (1998). Internal consistency is high, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84, indicating excellent item cohesion for a binary scale in male adolescent samples. Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported, but stability is inferred to be moderate to high based on similar attitudinal scales (e.g., r ≈ 0.70-0.80 over weeks).
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with related constructs, such as self-reported delinquency (r ≈ 0.40-0.60), attitudes toward delinquency (r ≈ 0.50), and exposure to risk factors like poor parental supervision, as noted in PYS findings (Loeber et al., 1998). Discriminant validity is evidenced by weaker correlations with unrelated constructs, such as academic achievement (r < 0.30). Criterion validity is demonstrated by its ability to predict later delinquent outcomes, including serious offending, in longitudinal analyses, consistent with Problem Behavior Theory (Jessor, 1987). Factor analyses are not detailed, but the scale’s unidimensional focus on willingness to engage in problem behaviors supports construct validity. The high reliability makes it a robust tool for research, though it should be paired with behavioral measures for comprehensive assessments.
Available Versions
18-Items
Reference
Loeber, R., Farrington, D. P., Stouthamer-Loeber, M., & Van Kammen, W. B. (1998). Antisocial behavior and mental health problems: Explanatory factors in childhood and adolescence. Psychology Press.
Jessor, R., & Jessor, S. L. (1977). Problem behavior and psychosocial development: A longitudinal study of youth. (No Title).
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Perception of Problem Behavior scale measure?
It measures willingness to engage in problem behaviors like delinquency or substance use.
Who can use the scale?
Psychologists, criminologists, and researchers studying male youth behavior.
How long does the scale take to complete?
It takes about 5-7 minutes.
Is the scale specific to certain groups?
Yes, it targets male students initially in grades 1, 4, and 7 in urban settings.
Can the scale inform prevention programs?
Yes, it identifies risk attitudes with high reliability, but should be used with other measures.
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