Prevalence, course, and predictors of multiple problem behaviors among gay and bisexual male adolescents.

Abstract

Multiple problem behaviors, stress, and personal resources were assessed over 2 years among 116 mainly Black and Hispanic gay and bisexual male adolescents age 14-19 years. Whereas sexual risk acts, substance abuse, conduct problems, and emotional distress were common, the risk acts did not form a multiple problem behavior cluster, compared with previous findings with heterosexual youths. Problem behaviors were stable over time: Only 20% to 30% of the youths changed their pattern of problem behaviors over 2 years. For each individual, the pattern of change in one behavior problem was not related to patterns of change in other problem behaviors over 2 years. At baseline, personal resources were associated with less alcohol use and emotional distress, and stress was asso ciated with delinquent behaviors. The pattern of results was similar whether youths labeled them selves as gay or bisexual, suggesting that problem behaviors among mainly Black and Hispanic gay and bisexual youths may follow different developmental pathways than among heterosexual youths