Assessment of Interpersonal Negotiation Strategies in Youth Engaged in Problem Behaviors

Explored relations among developmental levels and styles of interpersonal negotiation strategies (INS) and competence in social problem-solving skills (SPS-skills). Also assessed relations among levels and styles of INS and self-reported engagement in problem behaviors, including hard and soft drug use, delinquent acts, official criminal status, running away, and unprotected sexual activity. For both males and females (M age = 16.7 years), a moderate positive correlation was found between level of INS and SPS-skills. Older males with lower INS scores who used a more other-transforming (assertive) style reported greater involvement in problem behaviors. For females, no significant relations between levels and styles of INS and involvement in problem behaviors were found. Advantages of a developmental model for the evaluation of deficits and changes in interpersonal negotiation strategies are discussed.