The Correlation Between Self-Expression and High-Risk Behaviors in Students

The increase in high-risk behaviors (HRBs) is recognized as a serious threat to the health of societies. Self-expression is one of the social skills that can have a positive effect on controlling some risky behaviors.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between self-expression and HRBs among newly arrived students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

In this cross-sectional study, 402 students (166 males and 236 females) were recruited from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2020. They were selected using a multi-stage random sample and answered questions from the self-expression questionnaire and the high-risk behavior questionnaire. Various statistical indicators were utilized, such as mean, standard deviation (SD), t -test for comparison between the two gender groups, ANOVA for the mean difference between three age groups, and a Pearson correlation matrix to examine the correlations between all components of HRBs. Additionally, the Pearson test and regression analysis were employed.

A significant negative correlation was found between the self-expression score and HRBs (r = -0.56, P < 0.001). The mean score of HRBs was 15.33 ± 18.047. The mean score of self-expressions in male students was significantly lower than that of female students (74.51 ± 16.33 vs. 80.36 ± 14.30). The most common HRBs were related to smoking, hookah use (mean = 7.53 ± 8.75), and suicidal ideation (mean = 3.11 ± 3.93).

It accentuates the significance of incorporating self-expression interventions in educational and health programs to foster healthier behaviors and promote mental health among this vulnerable population. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors influencing the link between self-expression and HRBs among university students.