J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2011 Mar;20(1):91-102. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2011.20.1.91.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Risk-taking Behavior in Middle School Students

• Kim HL
• Kim S

• KMID: 2201677
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2011.20.1.91

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence risk-taking behavior in middle school students.
METHODS
The participants in this study were 544 students from 4 middle schools in Seoul or Gyeonggi Province. From July 16, to September 9, 2008, data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Demographic, individual, socio-economic characteristics of risk-taking behavior were examined. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, zero-inflated negative binomial regression as count model using SAS 9.1 and Stata 10.0 program were used for the analysis.
RESULTS
The score for risk-taking behavior of the middle school students tended to be low with thrill-seeking behavior being the highest. Risk-taking behavior was higher for boys and for students not living with parents. Stress coping ability, family risk factors, family functioning, peer's risk-taking behavior, and harmful environment were correlated with risk-taking behavior. On zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis, the factor significantly influencing risk-taking behavior were self-esteem and for increased risk-taking behavior, family functioning, and peer's risk-taking behavior.
CONCLUSION
A risk-taking behavior approach that considers developmental needs is useful in understanding the behavior of early adolescents. Development of effective guidance and interventions considering factors influencing risk-taking behavior as identified in this study is recommended.

Keyword

Adolescent; Risk-taking behavior; Middle school

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Analysis of Variance
Gyeonggi-do
Humans
Parents
Questionnaires
Regression Analysis
Risk Factors
Risk-Taking*
Seoul

Figure

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  Figure 1 Characteristics of distribution of dependent variable.

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