Baldridge, Stephen N.2010-07-192011-08-242010-07-192011-08-242010-07-19January 20http://hdl.handle.net/10106/4895As the definition of what is considered a family changes in our society, the family unit itself continues to undergo changes. These changes can sometimes lead to decreased stability within the family unit. This study focused on how this instability impacts adolescents who are brought up in unstable families, specifically within the context of their behavioral outcomes. Variables surrounding family stability as well as several indicators of maladaptive behavioral outcomes were used to measure this concept. This study used a longitudinal, non-experimental approach, guided by a comprehensive literature review and the theoretical application to Skinner's theory of applied behavior.ENPh.D.