Predictors of Risk Taking Behavior in College Students
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2018
Yazarlar: Türkan YILMAZ IRMAK, Rukiye Kızıltepe, Durdane Gümüşten, Banu Çengelci Özekes
Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, Uluslararası, 2018, cilt 8
Özet
Risk taking behavior is prevalent among college students. Risk taking behaviors such as alcohol use, unprotected sex, and exceeding speed limit may have adverse effects on the health and education of college students. These behaviors may negatively affect the transition to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine between risk taking behavior and demographic attributes, parenting styles, peer characteristics, and egocentrism in college students. The study sample consisted of 410 participants, of which 282 were female (69 %) and 128 male (31 %). The participants’ mean age was 20.54, ranging from 18 to 25 (SD=1.33). The participants were asked to complete a number of questionnaires including Risk Taking Scale, Revised Personal Fable Scale, Revised Imaginary Audience Scale, Parenting Styles Scale, and Personal Information Form. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictors of risk taking behaviors. Consequently, the final model explained 32 % of the variance in risk taking behaviors. In the last block, age, gender, education level of parents, time spent with friends, father’s acceptance/involvement and personal fable significantly predicted risk taking score of the participants.