Description

Background:
This scale was developed by Richard Jessor and colleagues at the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The challenge of the Research Program on Health Behavior is to advance the understanding of psychosocial and behavioral determinants of healthy behavior and fitness. The Program is highly interdisciplinary with research associates representing psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, pediatrics, kinesiology and behavioral genetics. Key research questions ask how health behavior is affected by:

(1) socioeconomic status, social support networks, occupational stress, neighborhood social cohesion, and social controls
(2) psychological constructs such as religious beliefs, depression, and hostility
(3) the interaction of psychosocial determinants with biological processes

Developers:
Richard Jessor

Copyright:
Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado at Boulder, 483 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309; Richard.Jessor@colorado.edu

References:
Jessor, R., J.E. Donovan and F. Costa. 1990. “Personality, Perceived Life Chances, and Adolescent Health Behavior,” pp. 25-41 in K. Hurrelmann and F. Losel (eds.) Health Hazards in Adolescence. Prevention and Intervention in Childhood and Adolescence, Vol. 8. Berlin, Germany: Walter de Gruyter.

Population:
Adolescent