January 1, 2025

Tendency Toward Risky Behaviors Based on Differentiation of Self, Cognitive Flexibility, and Perceived Social Support in Adolescent Girls with a History of Running Away from Home

ZFZahra FadaeimoghadamQom Islamic Azad University MSMehrnaz SaadatChildren’s Institute SASouraya AbbasgholipoorUniversity of Hormozgan

Key Points

Risky behavior tendency is significantly correlated with differentiation of self, cognitive flexibility, and perceived social support.
The predictors collectively explain 37% of the variance in risky behavior tendencies among the participants.
A descriptive-correlational design utilized data from 390 adolescent girls with a history of running away from home.
Findings highlight the need for interventions targeting self-differentiation and social support to mitigate risky behaviors.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of differentiation of self, cognitive flexibility, and perceived social support in risky behavior tendencies among adolescent girls with a history of running away from home. Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among 390 adolescent girls aged 13 to 18 with documented histories of running away, selected through purposive sampling from social service and rehabilitation centers in Tehran. Participants completed four standardized questionnaires measuring risky behavior tendency, differentiation of self, cognitive flexibility, and perceived social support. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression in SPSS version 27. All statistical assumptions were tested and confirmed before analysis. Findings: The results showed that risky behavior tendency had significant negative correlations with differentiation of self (r = –.53, p < .001), cognitive flexibility (r = –.39, p < .001), and perceived social support (r = –.47, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the three predictors collectively accounted for 37% of the variance in risky behavior (R² = .37, F(3, 386) = 83.11, p < .001). Differentiation of self (β = –.41, p < .001), perceived social support (β = –.33, p < .001), and cognitive flexibility (β = –.26, p < .001) were all significant predictors, with differentiation of self showing the strongest effect. Conclusion: The findings suggest that lower levels of self-differentiation, cognitive flexibility, and perceived social support significantly increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors among adolescent girls with a history of running away. Interventions aiming to strengthen these psychological and social capacities may be effective in reducing high-risk behavior in this vulnerable population.

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