Risk Taking Behavior of High School Students with relation to Traffic, DrugAbuse and Social Status

Abstract

In this research we have tried to explain the relationship between trafficing, drug abuse and social status with risk taking behavior according to the levels of self- esteem and gender of the high school students evaluated. The design of the research was based on a descriptive model. The study was carried out on 922 students, 472 female and 450 male participants who are state high school students in Samsun. The students’ risk taking behavior was measured by means of the “The Adolescent Risk Taking Behavior Questionnaire” which was developed by Kıran (2002). The students’ self-esteem levels were measured by means of the “Self- Esteem Inventory for High School Students” which was developed by Güngör(1989). When analyzing the data, the t-test technique was used. The research indicated that there are many significant differences regarding the students’ use of drugs in relation to the level of their self-esteem and their risk taking behavior in relation to their social status. The findings obtained show that as levels of self-esteem decrease, the tendency to use drugs and become involved in risk taking behavior related to social status also increases. In addition, more boys than girls show a tendency to traffic, drug abuse and risk taking behavior. To summarize; high school students are really in need of psychological help regarding the issue that risk-taking behavior leads to danger.