Predicting Adolescent Risk-Taking Behavior from Sensation Seeking and Peer Pressure
Keywords:
Adolescent risk-taking behavior, Sensation seeking, Peer pressure, Predictors, Nigerian adolescentsAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of sensation seeking and peer pressure in adolescent risk-taking behavior among Nigerian adolescents.
Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational research included 350 adolescents selected via convenience sampling from secondary schools in urban and semi-urban areas of Nigeria, with the sample size determined by Morgan and Krejcie’s sampling table. Participants completed the Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaire (ARQ) by Gullone et al. (2000), the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8) by Hoyle et al. (2002), and the Resistance to Peer Influence Scale (RPI) by Steinberg and Monahan (2007). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multivariate linear regression via SPSS-27.
Findings: Descriptive analysis showed moderate levels of adolescent risk-taking behavior (M = 3.27, SD = 0.74), high sensation seeking (M = 3.56, SD = 0.67), and moderate peer pressure (M = 2.91, SD = 0.81). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between risk-taking behavior and sensation seeking (r = .63, p < .01), as well as peer pressure (r = .58, p < .01). Regression analysis indicated that sensation seeking and peer pressure significantly predicted adolescent risk-taking behavior (F(2,347) = 162.83, p < .01), jointly explaining 48% of its variance (R² = .48). Sensation seeking (β = 0.40, t = 8.43, p < .01) and peer pressure (β = 0.35, t = 7.45, p < .01) were both significant positive predictors.
Conclusion: This study confirms that both sensation seeking and peer pressure strongly predict adolescent risk-taking behaviors among Nigerian adolescents, highlighting the combined impact of individual predispositions and social influences. Interventions designed to reduce adolescent risk-taking should simultaneously address internal traits such as sensation seeking, and external factors, particularly peer pressure, to effectively mitigate adverse outcomes associated with adolescent risk behaviors.
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