The Impacts of Family Structure on the Tendency of Students to High- Risk Behaviors and Adaptation Aspects in Monogamous and Polygamous Families

Family and its structure play a significant role in the formation and development of the character and mental health of its members especially children. The present study aims at investigating the impacts of family structure (monogamy, polygamy) on high school student's tendency to risky behaviors. The research has been done based on causal – comparative method (ex post facto) and its statistical population covers the whole high school students of the city of Khash in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Using the Convenience Sampling method 79 male students from monogamous families and 71 male students from polygamous families aged 14 to 17 were selected. Instruments used in the study included risky behaviors questionnaire and Adjustment Scale among high school students. Data were analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential tests (T-test and regression). The results show that there are significant differences between the samples in terms of risky behaviors and adaptation (PP0/01). Among students who come from polygamous families the rate of adaptation is low and tendency to risky behaviors is high. Based on the results obtained, giving more information to families regarding the negative effects of polygamy can decrease the highrisk behaviors of students and increase their adaptation.