Identifying What and How High-Risk Behaviors in Adolescents Engaged in High-Risk Behaviors: A Phenomenological Study

Objective: Due to some features and extensive developments of this period, there is a possibility of high-risk behaviors by adolescents. Accordingly, recognizing high-risk behaviors and how to express them is important. The aim of this study was to identify what and how high-risk behaviors in adolescents engaged in high-risk behaviors. Method: The method of this research was qualitative and phenomenological, which described what and how adolescents' life experiences. The study population was 15- to 18-year-old adolescents in Sanandaj with a current and past history of high-risk behaviors. Data were collected through convenience sampling method and in-depth interviews with 14 people (8 boys and 6 girls) and were analyzed using descriptive phenomenological analysis. Results: The analysis of participants' experiences in the "what" section of high-risk behaviors led to the identification of two main themes (harming and norm-breaking) and five sub-themes (personal injury, family injury, social harm, legal norms and religious values) as well as in the "areas of high-risk behaviors" section led to the identification of three main themes (individual, family and social factors) and twelve sub-themes (excitement, curiosity, hedonism, courage, family turmoil, the absence of a parent, a history of risky behavior in the family, parental neglect, the role of friends, lack of motivation, limited environmental happiness and media influence). Conclusion: Based on the life experiences of adolescents engaged in high-risk behaviors, a combination of several factors together causes high-risk behaviors by adolescents. This study involves important topics for counselors, teachers and officials of educational institutions and families.