Competence and dysfunction emerge from interaction between the individual and the environment. The target of this study was to point out profiles of competence and psychological problems in 160 adolescents (11-18 years): 1) students in public schools in extended period (TI), 2) students assisted by social/cultural equipment (AC); 3) sheltered students (AB), and 4) adolescents pregnant/mothers, (GM). Data was collected using YSR, by items about competence, internalizing and externalizing problems, examined in the variable age. A descriptive analysis indicated higher averages of competence in groups TI and AC. Groups GM and AB showed loss in competence. Internalizing problems appeared in group AB, as well as among the youngest in group AC. Group AB turned up with biggest difficulties, suggesting losses in the environmental context of their development. New studies are indicated for the increase of data and also the comparison among boys and girls.
Adolescence; Competence; Human development
