Verband tussen emotionele en gedragsproblemen bij 13-16-jarigen en problemen 8 jaar later

To investigate stability and change of emotional and behavioural problems from adolescence into young adulthood, and of predictable variables.

Design

Prospective observational follow-up study.

Setting

District Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands.

Methods

Subjects from the general population, aged 13 to 16 years, were assessed on having emotional or behavioural problems, with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at initial assessment (1983), and with the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) 8 years later (n = 459). Furthermore, signs of maladjustment were assessed at follow-up.

Results

27.3 of the individuals with deviant CBCL total problem scores had deviant YASR total problem scores at follow-up. Several types of psychopathology in adolescents predicted suïcide attempts, police contacts, referral to mental health services and other problems during young adulthood.

Conclusions

There is a firm association between psychopathology in adolescence and problems in young adulthood.