Predictive Role of Psychological Distress and Assertiveness in High-Risk Behaviors among Female Adolescents in Ahvaz, Iran

Background: Adolescence is a period marked by increased vulnerability to high-risk behaviors, which pose substantial public health challenges due to a complex interplay of internal psychological and social factors. The present study sought to examine the predictive role of psychological distress and assertiveness in high-risk behaviors among female adolescents in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted during the ۲۰۲۴–۲۰۲۵ academic year. A sample of ۲۷۲ female adolescents was selected via multistage cluster sampling. Instruments included the High-Risk Behavior Questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-۲۱ (DASS-۲۱), and the Assertion Inventory. Data analysis involved Pearson correlation coefficients and simultaneous multiple regression. Results: Psychological distress emerged as a significant positive predictor of high-risk behaviors, whereas assertiveness exhibited a significant negative association with such behaviors (p<۰.۰۰۱). The multiple regression model was statistically significant (F=۵۱.۰۴, p<۰.۰۰۱), with psychological distress and assertiveness jointly explaining ۳۱.۸% of the variance in high-risk behaviors among the participants. Conclusion: Psychological distress and diminished assertiveness represent key determinants of high-risk behaviors in female adolescents. Accordingly, school-based interventions emphasizing emotional regulation strategies and assertiveness skills training are recommended to reduce behavioral risks and promote overall adolescent well-being.

کلیدواژه ها:

Risk-taking ، Psychological distress ، Assertiveness ، Adolescent