The Relationship between Loneliness and High-risk Behaviors among Adolescents of Bojnourd

Background: High-risk behaviors are increasing among adolescents, and consequently, risk and preventive factors have been highlighted and investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between loneliness as a risk factor and high-risk behaviors among adolescents of Bojnourd, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ۴۵۵ adolescents (aged ۱۵-۱۹ years) were selected based on the age and gender by using quota sampling method. Data were collected by using demographics checklist, high-risk behaviors checklist, and the SELSA-S loneliness Questionnaire. Finally, data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics like t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The results show that there was a significant and direct relationship between the feeling of loneliness and high-risk behaviors (r=۰.۱۴۷, P=۰.۰۰۲). In addition, there was a significant and direct relationship between the feeling of loneliness and violence (r= ۰.۱۴۸, P= ۰.۰۰۲), suicide (r=۰.۲۷۸, P< ۰.۰۰۱), and drug abuse (r= ۰.۱۲۴, P= ۰.۰۰۸). High-risk behaviors was more common among male rather than female (P= ۰.۰۰۵). Conclusion: This study show that there is a relationship between the feeling of loneliness especially loneliness in families and high-risk behaviors. Therefore, prevention programs for improving the relationships and interactions in families, can be very effective in preventing high-risk behaviors among adolescents.

Keywords:

Loneliness , High Risk Behavior , Adolescence , Bojnourd