Self-Reported Delinquency—Problem Behavior Frequency Scale

Abstract

The Self-Reported Delinquency—Problem Behavior Frequency Scale (SRD-PBFS) is a highly regarded self-report instrument utilized extensively in developmental psychology and criminology research. Developed by Jessor and Jessor, the scale provides a standardized method for assessing the frequency and prevalence of various problem behaviors among the adolescent population. The comprehensive version comprises 25 items structured into five distinct subscales, covering areas such as physical aggression, substance use, and rule-breaking.

The SRD-PBFS operationalizes the construct of generalized problem behavior, reflecting the theoretical position that delinquent acts are often interconnected manifestations of an underlying behavioral syndrome. Respondents quantify their involvement in these behaviors over a specific recall period (e.g., the past 30 days or the past year). High aggregate scores on the SRD-PBFS reliably indicate greater involvement in activities associated with juvenile delinquency.

Keywords

Delinquency, Antisocial Behavior, Adolescent Problem Behavior, Self-Report, Rule-Breaking, Substance Use, Property Damage, Criminology, Problem Behavior Theory, Longitudinal Study, Psychometrics.

Authors

Jessor, R., Jessor, S.L.

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Purpose

The fundamental purpose of the SRD-PBFS is to provide a quantitative measure of the rate at which youth engage in behaviors that violate social norms or legal statutes. Unlike official records, which often capture only severe or detected offenses, the self-report nature of the scale allows researchers to capture the full spectrum of behavioral involvement, including minor or unreported acts, thus providing a more accurate assessment of prevalence and intensity within target groups.

Furthermore, the instrument is invaluable for conducting longitudinal studies. By offering standardized and consistent measurement over time, the SRD-PBFS enables investigators to track developmental trajectories of problem behavior. This capability is crucial for assessing the efficacy of preventive interventions and treatment programs designed to reduce antisocial behavior, helping to identify critical risk and protective factors across adolescence.

Construct

The SRD-PBFS is theoretically grounded in the Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) developed by the authors. This theory posits that specific problem behaviors—such as substance use, delinquency, and precocious sexual activity—are not isolated phenomena but rather components of a broader, interconnected syndrome of unconventionality. The scale is designed to measure this generalized syndrome of deviance rather than focusing on a single, narrow category of misconduct.

The 25 items are distributed across five interconnected domains, ensuring a comprehensive operationalization of the PBT construct:

• Physical Aggression: Measures involvement in fighting or violent acts.
• Rule-Breaking: Assesses behaviors that violate institutional or societal norms (e.g., truancy, running away).
• Substance Use: Quantifies the frequency of using illicit or regulated substances.
• Sexual Behavior: Addresses items related to high-risk or precocious sexual activity.
• Property Damage: Focuses on acts involving vandalism or the destruction of others’ property.

Validity

The SRD-PBFS has demonstrated robust evidence of validity across numerous research applications. It exhibits strong face validity, as the items directly describe commonly recognized delinquent activities. More critically, construct validity is well-supported by consistent correlations with established measures of psychosocial risk factors, such as low academic achievement, poor parental monitoring, and association with deviant peers.

While self-report measures inherently differ from official police data, studies consistently show that SRD-PBFS scores correlate significantly with official records of juvenile delinquency, confirming that the scale measures the intended construct. The statistical confirmation of the distinct five-factor structure further reinforces the scale’s theoretical foundation, demonstrating that the subscales capture unique, yet related, dimensions of the overarching problem behavior construct.

Reliability

Research confirms that the SRD-PBFS possesses high levels of reliability, indicating consistent and dependable measurement. The scale demonstrates excellent internal consistency, typically reported through high Cronbach’s alpha values, which confirms that the 25 items reliably cohere to measure the singular underlying construct of generalized problem behavior.

Furthermore, the stability of the measurement over time has been established through positive test-retest reliability results across various studies. This stability is essential, as it validates the scale’s use in longitudinal research where changes in behavior must be accurately tracked over relevant time intervals.

Factor Analysis

Factor analytical studies are crucial in supporting the psychometric properties and theoretical structure of the SRD-PBFS. These analyses consistently confirm the hypothesized division of the 25 items into five distinct, though often correlated, subscales. This five-factor model is foundational to the scale’s utility.

The confirmed factor structure allows researchers to move beyond a single global delinquency score and instead analyze specific patterns of deviance—for example, isolating high rates of substance use from low rates of physical Aggression. The derived factors precisely mirror the theoretically defined domains of the Problem Behavior Theory: physical aggression, rule-breaking, substance use, sexual behavior, and property damage.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-Report Inventory / Frequency Scale

Format: The full scale consists of 25 items. Responses are typically recorded using a detailed six-point frequency response format, though it is often generally described as a Likert-type scale. This format allows for accurate quantification of events over a specified recall period.

Language Available: Primarily English, as it was developed in the United States. Translations may be available based on the requirements of specific international research cohorts.

Population Group: Adolescents and youth.

Age Group: Typically mid-to-late adolescence (ranging approximately from 12 to 18 years).

Population Details: The scale originated from a longitudinal study involving high school students but is applicable to both general youth populations and clinically identified samples of youth exhibiting antisocial behavior.

Test Methodology: Respondents are instructed to quantify the frequency of specific delinquent or problem behaviors (e.g., cheating, shoplifting, skipping school) over a defined timeframe (e.g., the last 30 days). Individual responses are assigned point values and summed to produce a total problem behavior score, where elevated scores indicate higher levels of involvement in delinquency.

Keywords

Juvenile Delinquency, Problem Behavior Frequency, Property Damage, Aggression, Rule-Breaking, Psychosocial Assessment, Longitudinal Study, Self-Reported Delinquency, Psychometrics, Problem Behavior Theory.

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Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not specified in source material.

Correspondence Address: Not specified in source material.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The foundational research leading to the development of the SRD-PBFS was published in 1977. While the instrument is frequently utilized in academic and public domain research, users intending commercial or clinical application should consult the original developers, R. Jessor and S.L. Jessor, or the seminal publication for formal usage permissions.

The instrument is officially compiled within public health resources. The original PDF compilation of tools, titled “Measuring Violence-Related Attitudes, Behaviors, and Influences Among Youths: A Compendium of Assessment Tools,” can be downloaded here: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/YV_Compendium.pdf

Reference’s

• Jessor, R., & Jessor, S.L. (1977). Problem behavior and psychological development: a longitudinal study of youth. New York: Academic Press.

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Items of the Self-Reported Delinquency—Problem Behavior Frequency Scale

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

In the last 30 days, how many times have you …

1. Been on suspension?
2. Stolen something from another student?
3. Snuck into someplace without paying such as movies, onto a bus or subway?
4. Skipped school?
5. Cheated on a test?
6. Taken something from a store without paying for it (shoplifted)?
7. Written things or sprayed paint on walls or sidewalks or cars where you were not supposed to?
8. Damaged school or other property that did not belong to you?

These specific items measure the frequency of core delinquency behaviors. Respondents use a detailed frequency scale to indicate how often in the past month they engaged in acts such as suspension, theft, cheating, or property damage.

The response categories and their associated point values for scoring are:

• Never = 1
• 1-2 times = 2
• 3-5 times = 3
• 6-9 times = 4
• 10-19 times = 5
• 20 or more times = 6

Point values corresponding to all responses are summed to generate the total score. Scores that are higher indicate significantly increased levels of involvement in delinquency.