Journal List > J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs > v.20(1) > 1057931

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

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.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1

Characteristics of distribution of dependent variable.

jkapmhn-20-91-g001
Table 1

Individual, Socio-environmental Characteristics, and Risk-taking Behavior of Subjects (N=544)

jkapmhn-20-91-i001
Table 2

Differences in Risk-taking Behavior according to Characteristics of Subjects (N=544)

jkapmhn-20-91-i002
Table 3

Correlations among Variables (N=544)

jkapmhn-20-91-i003

*p<.05; **p<.01.

Table 4

Influencing Factors on Risk-taking Behavior (N=544)

jkapmhn-20-91-i004

Notes

This article is a revision of the first author's doctoral dissertation from Yonsei University.

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