An Investigation of Risky Behaviors and Psychological Symptoms in Turkish Adolescents

Abstract

Aim: Adolescence is a critical period for both increased psychological symptoms and orientation towards risky behaviors. The present study investigated whether adolescents’ levels of psychological symptoms were significant predictors of risky behaviors. Methodology: Participants were 450 randomly selected high school students attending grades 9 through 12 and they are consist of their 226 girls (50.2%) and 224 boys (46.8%). Research data were collected using the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Risky-Behaviors Scale, and a personal information form. The present study used a relational model design. We used simple linear regression analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and independent t-tests to explore sex-based differences. Results: The results of the regression analysis show that the model constructed in the study is significant (F=34.790, p<0.01). Adolescents’ levels of psychological symptoms (depression, somatization, anxiety, hostility, and negative self-concept) significantly predicted risky behaviors, with 32% variance. In addition, we found that girls showed more psychological symptoms compared with boys; and boys tended toward risky behaviors more compared with girls. Conclusion: These findings indicate that it is necessary to consider the role of adolescents’ levels of psychological symptoms in intervention and prevention strategies for risky behaviors.