A Study on Risk Taking Behaviour among Adolescents and Their Attachment with Parents and Peers

The present study examined the role of attachment level of adolescents with parents and peers and their indulgence in risk taking behaviour. Several studies have been reviewed on parental relationship with adolescents and adolescents risk taking behaviour. Researches over last few years have shown that indulgence of adolescents in risk taking behaviour and sexual activities is due to poor parenting practices and one of the prevailing factors is peer attachment. Since no studies related to attachment level of adolescents with parents and indulgence of adolescents in risk taking behaviour have been reviewed in Indian context. Thus to see the status of parent and peer attachment and risk taking behaviour among adolescents, this study was done on a sample of 100 undergraduate students that comprise of 50 males and 50 females. The results showed that females were more attached with their parents and peers in comparison to males. Risk taking behaviour and sexual activities were found to be higher among males than females. It was found that in females the desire of indulging in substance use and sexual activity was low as compared to males. First time indulgence in such behaviour was reported in presence of peers and due to peer pressure. Males reported that they faced ridicule because of not engaging in sexual activities and substance use. Thus positive peer pressure was found helpful in keeping females away from risk taking behaviour.