Measuring engagement in antisocial behavior during late adolescence and early adulthood for typically developing youth

Abstract

Research examining the nature and extent of participation in antisocial behavior (ASB) in typically developing individuals during late adolescence and early adulthood remains rare. A self-report instrument for measuring participation in ASB was developed and administered to an Australian sample of 404 youth (64.9% females) aged 17 to 22-years using item-response theory methods. All participants reported involvement in multiple forms of ASB, although this involvement was skewed toward less serious behaviors, suggesting that engagement in these behaviors were common for typically developing youth. Unlike previous research, few sex differences were detected, with females’ self-reported involvement in ASB similar to that of males. A need for ongoing longitudinal research in typically developing samples was highlighted, particularly on the transition to adulthood.