Investigating The Predictive Role Of Mentalization In Adolescents' Propensity Towards Risky Behaviors With The Mediation Of Attachment To God

This study examined the relationship between mentalization and adolescents’ tendency toward risky behaviors, with the mediating role of attachment styles to God. The statistical population included all ۱۵- to ۱۸-year-old students in secondary schools of Tehran during the ۲۰۲۳–۲۰۲۴ academic year. The sample consisted of ۲۱۸ students selected randomly. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling through SPSS and Smart PLS software. The findings showed that attachment styles to God had a significant negative relationship with adolescents’ tendency toward risky behaviors and a significant positive relationship with mentalization. In addition, attachment styles to God were positively and significantly related to mentalization. The results indicated that mentalization indirectly affected risky behaviors by increasing attachment to God.

Keywords:

Mentalization , Adolescents’ tendency to risky behaviors , Attachment styles to God