Identifying What and How High-Risk Behaviors in Adolescents Engaged in High-Risk Behaviors: A Phenomenological Study

Due to some features and extensive developments of this period, there is a possibility of high-risk behaviors by adolescents. Accordingly, recognizing high-risk behaviors and how to express them is important. The aim of this study was to identify what and how high-risk behaviors in adolescents engaged in high-risk behaviors.

The method of this research was qualitative and phenomenological, which described what and how adolescentschr('39') life experiences. The study population was 15- to 18-year-old adolescents in Sanandaj with a current and past history of high-risk behaviors. Data were collected through convenience sampling method and in-depth interviews with 14 people (8 boys and 6 girls) and were analyzed using descriptive phenomenological analysis.

The analysis of participantschr('39') experiences in the "what" section of high-risk behaviors led to the identification of two main themes (harming and norm-breaking) and five sub-themes (personal injury, family injury, social harm, legal norms and religious values) as well as in the "areas of high-risk behaviors" section led to the identification of three main themes (individual, family and social factors) and twelve sub-themes (excitement, curiosity, hedonism, courage, family turmoil, the absence of a parent, a history of risky behavior in the family, parental neglect, the role of friends, lack of motivation, limited environmental happiness and media influence).

Based on the life experiences of adolescents engaged in high-risk behaviors, a combination of several factors together causes high-risk behaviors by adolescents. This study involves important topics for counselors, teachers and officials of educational institutions and families.