The application of a relatively high number of research scales on the evaluation of high-risk behaviours in youths precedes the formation of a decision on the appropriate social-protective and educational interventions for young people showing forms of risky behaviour. Periods in the formation of measuring instruments from the 1950’s to the present day have been analysed. The information gathered and integrated at the time, which is still the basis for the evaluation of future high-risk behaviour in youth have been analysed. It is common among contemporary experts to believe that the most useful information in this subtle psycho-diagnostic process could be offered by the actuarial measuring procedure including static and dynamic factors, because meta-analyses have shown the correctness and usefulness of both predictors for the anticipation of high-risk and/or delinquent behaviour in youths.

youths, high-risk behaviours, research scales