Effective factors on risk taking behaviors of adolescences

Abstract

Introduction: Risk-taking behaviors are verified as behaviors that are correlated to some unpleasant consequences and adolescence is an important period for beginning of risk-taking behaviors. Adolescents have tendency to risk-taking situations and there are major extending social harms in Iran . This study was performed to determine the order of priority for risk- taking behavior predicting factors in adolescents and to help making more precise decisions in order to decrease risk-taking behaviors and also to assess the role of sex in effect of mentioned factors. Method: This correlation study was performed on 316 students selected by cluster and purposeful sampling in Zahedan in year 2004-2005. Data gathering tools consisted of risk-taking behavior, family function, self-control and attachment researcher-made questionnaires. Data were analyzed using correlation tests and stepwise regression by SPSS 15.5. Results: The entrance order of variables in adolescents’ risk-taking behavior predicting model was “control against freedom”, “self-control”, “control with convincing method by parents” and “resolving family problems by convincing method”. The entrance order of variables in adolescents’ risk-taking behavior predicting model was different in girls and boys. Conclusion: Control with convincing method by parents and developing self-control are of most important measures suggested in order to reduce adolescents’ risk-taking behaviors.