Examining the Predictive Role of Computer Game Use, Impulse Control, and Quality of Family Relationships in the Occurrence of High-Risk Behaviors Among Upper Secondary School Students
Keywords:
high-risk behaviors, computer games, impulsivity, impulse control, quality of family relationshipsAbstract
High-risk behaviors during adolescence constitute a major mental health challenge and are influenced by multiple factors. The present study aimed to examine the predictive roles of computer game use, impulsivity, and the quality of family relationships in the occurrence of high-risk behaviors among students. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 200 upper secondary school students. Data were collected using the Iranian Adolescents Risk-Taking Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, and the Computer Game Addiction Questionnaire and were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results indicated significant positive relationships between computer game use and high-risk behaviors and between impulsivity and high-risk behaviors (p < .01). In contrast, the quality of family relationships was significantly and negatively associated with high-risk behaviors. The regression model showed that the independent variables collectively explained 31.4% of the variance in high-risk behaviors (p < .01). Furthermore, excessive computer game use significantly increased the likelihood of being classified at a high level of high-risk behaviors. The findings highlight the protective role of the family and the detrimental effects of excessive involvement in computer games and poor impulse control on the occurrence of high-risk behaviors. Therefore, the development of school-based preventive interventions focusing on self-control skills and enhancement of the emotional climate of the family appears necessary.
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