This measure is designed to support structured screening of risk for problematic or rule-breaking behavior in adolescents and related psychosocial vulnerabilities. The Deviant Behavior Risk Scale is typically used in school or youth-serving settings to inform early identification and care planning.
The instrument consists of 70 items and generally requires about 13 minutes to complete. It uses self-report responses to summarize patterns associated with elevated behavioral risk, with results intended to guide clinical judgment and discussion rather than serve as a stand-alone diagnostic determination.
When integrated with collateral information and professional evaluation, the Deviant Behavior Risk Scale can help identify areas for targeted intervention (e.g., self-regulation and interpersonal functioning). Authors: Travis Hirschi and Michael R. Gottfredson.