Positioning high school students within the circle of risk

Abstract

This study investigates adolescents’ tendencies to engage in risky behaviors, addressing a significant gap in understanding the multifaceted influences contributing to such actions. Although adolescent risk-taking has been widely studied, there remains limited insight into the interplay of individual, familial, institutional, and societal factors shaping these behaviors. The objective of the study is to explore the nature and underlying causes of risky behavior among high school students through a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component involved 728 students selected through non-random sampling, while the qualitative component included 14 teachers and administrators chosen via maximum diversity sampling. Data collection instruments included the High School Form of the Risky Behaviors Scale and a semi-structured interview protocol developed by the researchers. Findings indicate that risky behaviors are gendered, with certain tendencies more prevalent among boys and others among girls. Contributing factors were identified as parental separation, socio-economic conditions, school type, and grade level. Qualitative insights revealed that family dynamics, socio-economic and cultural influences, individual characteristics, digital media, and school environment significantly shape students' risk-related actions. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both individual and contextual determinants.

Keywords: Administrators; adolescents; high school students; risk behaviors; teachers