ABSTRACT
Objective
This study investigated the engagement of Brazilian adolescents in risk behaviors (substance use, risk sexual behavior, antisocial behavior and suicidal behavior), aiming to identify the personal and contextual risk and protective factors most associated with these behaviors.
Methods
Participants were 1,332 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old (M = 15.68; SD = 1.60), of both sexes.
Results
The engagement in risk behavior varied according to age and sex and substance use was the most prevalent type of risk behavior among those investigated. Intra and extra familial violence, having close friends or family members who use drugs, stressful events and high self-efficacy were factors significantly associated with these behaviors; while the protective factors were high self-esteem, positive expectations about the future and positive perception about relationships with family, school, religion and community members.
Conclusion
Some characteristics of the display of risk behavior in adolescence were identified, highlighting the higher prevalence of substance use and co-occurrence of different types of risk behaviors. Among the risk factors most associated with engaging in risk behaviors, results evidence the presence of stressful events throughout life and the proximity to friends who use drugs. Based on the results, the study suggests focusing on minimizing risk factors and strengthening the protective factors, so as to promote healthy development during adolescence.
Adolescence; risk-taking; risk factors; protective factors; psychosocial development