Six-year predictors of problems in a national sample: IV. Young adult signs of disturbance

Objective: To identify adolescent predictors of young adult signs of disturbance. Method: Family variables and parent and self-reported syndromes, competencies, and stressful experiences were tested as predictors of school dropout, unwed pregnancy, substance use, mental health services, suicidal behavior, police contacts, and being fired from jobs. Results: Most signs were predictable with considerable accuracy, especially suicidal behavior and being fired from jobs among females. The Delinquent Behavior syndrome and poor school functioning predicted the most poor outcomes. Concurrent scores on young adult syndromes were significantly associated with most signs. Conclusions: Across the diversity of a national sample, young adult signs of disturbance were predictable from risk and protective factors assessed in adolescence. The predictors can help to identify youth at risk for particular signs. Parents are important contributors to assessment of young adults' problems.