Disentangling multiproblem behavior in male young adults: A cluster analysis

Multiproblem young adults present with major problems across key life domains, but empirical studies investigating the nature of multiproblem behavior in accordance to ecobiodevelopmental theory are scarce. To address this gap, we performed a cluster analysis on indicators spanning the key life doma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Development and psychopathology 2021-02, Vol.33 (1), p.149-159
Main Authors:	Zijlmans, Josjan, van Duin, Laura, Jorink, Maaike, Marhe, Reshmi, Luijks, Marie-Jolette A, Crone, Matty, Popma, Arne, Bevaart, Floor
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Abuse Addiction Aggression Aggressive behavior Cannabis Child Child development Children Clinical medicine Cluster Analysis Drug abuse Humans Male Mental disorders Mental Health Risk Factors Social networks Social organization Stress Young Adult Young adults
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Summary:	Multiproblem young adults present with major problems across key life domains, but empirical studies investigating the nature of multiproblem behavior in accordance to ecobiodevelopmental theory are scarce. To address this gap, we performed a cluster analysis on indicators spanning the key life domains addiction, mental health, social network, and justice. In a large sample (N = 680) of multiproblem young adults, we identified five subgroups labeled "severe with alcohol and cannabis problems" (4.3%), "severe with cannabis problems" (25.6%), "severe without alcohol or drug problems" (33.2%), "moderate with mental health problems" (22.9%), and "moderate without mental health problems" (14.0%). There were large differences between the severe and moderate groups in terms of childhood risk factors such as emotional and physical abuse, concerning baseline functioning such as comorbid disorders and aggressive behavior, and in the outcome measure of violent offending. Our findings indicate that multiproblem young adult behavior clusters within profiles that differ according to the severity and nature of problems. Investing in screening for clustered problems may be beneficial for early problem differentiation and selection of appropriate intervention before and during treatment programs.
ISSN:	0954-5794 1469-2198