Developing a Model of Tendency Toward Risky Behavior Based on Self-Differentiation and Cognitive Flexibility with the Mediating Role of Self-Control in Adolescents
Keywords:
Self-differentiation, Cognitive flexibility, Self-control, AdolescentsAbstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a structural model of the tendency toward risky behavior in adolescents based on self-differentiation and cognitive flexibility, with the mediating role of self-control.
Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational research was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population included adolescents aged 13 to 16 in Jahrom City during the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 312 adolescents (158 girls and 154 boys) were selected through multistage cluster sampling. The research instruments included the Risk-Taking Scale, the Self-Control Scale (Tangney et al.), the Self-Differentiation Questionnaire (Skowron & Dendy), and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (Martin & Rubin). Data analysis was carried out using AMOS software to evaluate model fit and estimate path coefficients.
Findings: The structural model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (χ²/df = 2.39, CFI = 0.965, TLI = 0.960, RMSEA = 0.067). Cognitive flexibility showed the strongest total negative effect on risky behavior (β = –0.85), including a direct effect of β = –0.65 and an indirect effect of β = –0.20 through self-control. Self-differentiation had a significant total negative effect (β = –0.65), with a direct effect of β = –0.44 and an indirect effect of β = –0.21 via self-control. Self-control itself had a direct negative effect on risky behavior (β = –0.34). All path coefficients were statistically significant at p < 0.01, confirming both direct and mediated relationships among the constructs.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that adolescents with higher levels of self-differentiation and cognitive flexibility are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, partly due to increased self-control. These insights emphasize the importance of designing prevention programs that enhance self-regulation, flexible thinking, and identity coherence to reduce adolescent risk-taking tendencies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mansureh Asadi (Author); Maryam Kouroshnia (Corresponding Author); Maryam Zarnaghash, Majid Barzegar (Author)
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