Averting disruptive behaviors in adolescents: A correlational study between multisystemic protective factors and reported decreased disruptive behavior

This investigation set out to determine whether there is a relationship between protective factors and decreased disruptive behaviors in adolescents. Participants were recruited from a social service agency in the Midwest. The sample included 50 participants, 25 adolescents and 25 parents. The parent participants completed the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) and the adolescent participants completed the Protective Factors Questionnaire. There were two hypotheses. Hypothesis 1: There will be a significant relationship between the use of protective factors and the reduction in delinquent behaviors by adolescents. Hypothesis 2: There will be a significant positive relationship between reported community supports and reported decreased behavior disruptions. There was a significant difference in these findings. There was a decrease in rule breaking behavior and externalizing behaviors when protective factors were in place. These hypotheses were supported. Limitations and suggestions for further research are also discussed.