Author: Rabia Siraj
Supervisor: Beenish Najam & Saima Ghazal, PhD
Degree: M.Sc
Year: 2014-2016
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between sensation seeking, peer influences and risk taking behavior in adolescents. It was hypothesized that sensation seeking and peer influences would positively predict risk taking behavior. It was hypothesized that peer influence would moderate the relationship between sensation seeking and risk taking behavior in adolescents. Sample comprised of 200 adolescents with age range 10-18 years (M=17.57, SD = .98) The Resistance to Peer Influence Scale (Steinberg and Monahan,2007), Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (Micheal Stephenson, 2003) and Stimulating and Instrumental Risk questionnaire (Tomasz Zaleskiewicz,2001) were used. Findings of the study indicated that there was a positive correlation between sensation seeking and risk taking behavior in adolescents and there was a positive correlation between peer influences and risk taking behavior in adolescents. Sensation seeking positively predicted risk taking behavior and peer influences also positively predicted risk taking behavior in adolescents but no interaction effect was observed between sensation seeking, peer influences in predicting risk taking behavior. Moreover, interaction of disinhibition and peer influence was significant for overall risk taking behavior. Gender differences were found as boys scored higher than girls in sensation seeking, peer influences and risk taking behavior .Results were discussed in terms of their implications and theoretical significance.
Keywords: Sensation Seeking, Peer Influences, Risk Taking Behavior.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
