Problem behavior among older youth in foster care: Examining gender

Youth in foster care are at-risk for maladjustment yet little is known about social resources that may buffer their involvement in problem behavior. Using a random sample of older foster care youth (N = 188), the present study examined the associations between clinical (externalizing Axis I diagnoses) and non-clinical (aggression, substance use) indicators of problem behavior, risk factors (placement instability, maltreatment history, psychiatric hospitalizations, stressful life events, and violence exposure), and protective factors (warmth and acceptance (W&A) from biological parents, foster parents, and peers) for males and females. Males were higher on aggression and Axis I diagnoses but were similar to females on substance use. Several risk factors were significantly correlated with youths' problem behavior, whereas only peer W&A was associated with females' substance use. Moderating hypotheses were partially supported, particularly for females. Discussion highlights the importance of context in relation to risk and problem behavior among youth in foster care.