Objective:

To analyze the association of health risk behaviors in the framework of the Problem Behavior Theory.

Methods:

524 adolescents (Mage= 16.7, SD = 1.6) completed an online questionnaire. Through Exploratory Factor Analysis, six behaviors were studied: drunkenness, tobacco and hashish use, sensation-seeking, unsafe sex andunsafe road behavior.

Results:

From middle adolescence (ages 16-17), behavioral grouping was consistent with “unconventionality” dimension identified by Jessor. Its prevalence increased at the end of compulsory education.

Conclusion:

This grouping suggests the simultaneous prevention of such behaviors. Since these behaviors help adolescents gain personal autonomy and relate to their friends, their prevention should not be limited to reporting the risks that cause. Promoting prosocial behaviors (eg, participating in school and community life) can help adolescents to live their development stage in a healthy way.