Predictive Model of High-risk Behaviors in Iranian Male Adolescents Based on Psychological Motivation

Abstract

Background: Awareness of people’s motivations for committing high-risk behaviors helps to explain the underlying causes and provides a framework for their use in preventive and therapeutic interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive model of high-risk behaviors in adolescents based on their motivations. Methods: The present research has a correlational design and uses structural equation modeling. The sample included 450 male students selected through a convenience sampling method to complete the Iranian Adolescents’ Risk-taking and Motives for Risk-taking scale. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The results showed that thrill-seeking, calculation, audience control, irresponsibility, and hedonistic motivation had significant relationships with high-risk behaviors. Also, except for attention-seeking, other motivations could significantly contribute to the prediction of high-risk behaviors. Also, the motivations had the strongest impact on alcohol consumption and the minimum impact on smoking. Finally, motivations generally explained 44% of the high-risk behaviors variance. Conclusions: Considering the role of motivations in doing high-risk behaviors, more attention should be given to these factors in preventive and therapeutic interventions.