Traditional college students are members of an age bracket noted for high levels of risky behavior, and research has shown that certain risky behaviors, such as disordered eating and problematic alcohol use, are particularly common among undergraduates. It is well established that certain events in the learning history predispose vulnerable persons to engage in maladaptive risky behaviors. What is less clear is why some persons facing these events go on to develop maladaptive behavior while others do not, or why people facing similar events develop different varieties of maladaptive behaviors. Current research has focused extensively on risk factors that are common across dysregulated behaviors (e.g., affect dysregulation, impulsivity, etc.); however, few studies have yet explored which risk factors differentiate risk for different maladaptive behaviors. Likely, certain mediating factors, such as beliefs about one's capability to tolerate the aversive aspects of a specific behavior, may differentiate groups at-risk for engaging in different maladaptive behaviors. Being able to determine specific risk factors for maladaptive behaviors would have obvious predictive value for targeted prevention and intervention efforts. Nevertheless, current research in the fields of risky behavior has relatively neglected the exploration of these specific risk factors, leading to theoretical, measurement, and application gaps in the literatures surrounding these problematic areas. This study aspires to address some of those gaps, by extending the construct of acquired capability (i.e., the role of exposure and habituation to certain events in the learning history that predict the development of the ability to engage in risky behaviors despite emotional or physical discomfort) from the field of self-harm to other risky behaviors. Acquired capability as a differentially-specific risk factor has been widely validated in the field of self-harm, but has been relatively unexplored in the fields of disordered eating and problematic alcohol. As such, this study aims to develop a measure of acquired capability for disordered eating and problematic alcohol use, then validate this measure by exploring associations between acquired capability-enhancing events in the learning history, acquired capability-related beliefs, and actual risk behaviors, over and above the contributions of other common risk factors (e.g., affect dysregulation, sensation seeking) in a sample of female college undergraduates.

Young adults' risk-taking attitudes, risk perception, and knowledge of road laws and signs influence their driving behaviors. The adoption of risky driving behaviors increases young adults' risk of motor vehicle crashes. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the factors that lead to increased risks of MVC-related mortality and morbidity for young adults in Belize, to provide support for the development of evidence-based programs, and, more importantly, to investigate the relationships involving young adults' risk-taking attitudes, risk perception, and knowledge of road laws and signs and their relation to driving behaviors. The Precaution Adoption Process Model provided the theoretical foundation for this study and was used as the framework to investigate the variables of interest. This study used a nonexperimental, cross-sectional research design to examine the relationships between the latent variables. A convenience sample of 532 students enrolled at the University of Belize participated in this study. Data were collected through the completion of the Driving Behavior Survey. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the strength and direction of relationships among these latent variables and provide a better understanding of the relationships among these latent variables. The study found that the majority of students were in the final stages of the Precaution Adoption Process Model and were exhibiting the safest behaviors. However, the risk-taking attitudes significantly contributed to the manifestation of risky driving behavior and to a lesser extent so did risk perception. The study's findings suggest that interventions should focus on lowering young adults' risk-taking attitudes and raising risk perception to reduce risky driving behaviors.

Kasmet apie pusė milijono žmonių žūsta eismo įvykiuose visame pasaulyje. Dažniausiai į eismo įvykius patenka profesionalūs vairuotojai, nes profesionalus vairavimas sąlygoja daug didesnę riziką nei kitos profesijos. Eismo įvykiai – tai dideli ekonominiai ir socialiniai kaštai visuomenei ir darbdaviams. Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti profesionalių vairuotojų darbo motyvacijos, asmenybės bruožų ir rizikingo vairavimo elgesio sąsajas. Tyrime dalyvavo Lietuvoje dirbantis 181 profesionalus vairuotojas (vyrai) iš įvairaus dydžio organizacijų. Tiriamiesiems anketos buvo pateikiamos tiesiogiai, darbo vietoje, ir iš karto po užpildymo surenkamos. Tiriamieji atsakė į anketoje pateiktus klausimus, siekiant įvertinti darbo motyvacijos, asmenybės bruožų ir rizikingo vairavimo elgesio sąsajas: a) darbo motyvacijai įvertinti sukurtas klausimynas, remiantis V. Vroomo lūkesčių darbo motyvacijos teorija, b) asmenybės bruožams nustatyti naudotas 44 klausimų Didžiojo penketo modelio klausimynas (John ir kt., 1991), c) rizikingam vairavimo elgesiui įvertinti naudotas 24 teiginių vairavimo elgesio klausimynas (Reason ir Parker, 1990) ir informacija apie eismo įvykius bei baudas už kelių eismo taisyklių pažeidimus. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad profesionalūs vilkikų vairuotojai, pasižymintys labiau išreikšta ekstraversija, sutariamumu, sažiningumu ir mažiau išreikštu neurotizmu, mažiau rizikingai vairuoja. Tačiau tik mažiau išreikštu sąžiningumu pasižymintys profesionalūs mažųjų autobusų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Every year, about half a million people are killed in traffic accidents around the world. In most cases, accidents are of concern to professional drivers, as professional driving involves much greater risk than other professions. Traffic accidents mean major economic and social costs to society and employers. The aim of the study was to identify the links between the work motivation, personality traits and risky driving behaviour of professional drivers. The study covered 181 professional driver (male) employed in various size organizations in Lithuania. Trial questionnaires were distributed to the research individuals directly at their workplaces, and collected immediately after the filling. The respondents answered the questions in the questionnaire aiming to assess the relations between the work motivation, personality traits and risky driving behaviour of professional drivers: a) questionnaire for the assessment of work motivation was developed on the basis of V. Vroom expectancy theory of motivation, b) personality traits were determined by using the Big Five model Inventory consisting of 44 questions (John et al., 1991), c) risky driving behaviour was determined according to the questionnaire with 24 statements on driving behaviour (Reason, and Parker, 1990) and information about traffic events and penalties for traffic offences. The results of this study demonstrated those professional truck drivers, during more expressed extroversion, agreeableness... [to full text]

Tyrimo tikslas - įvertinti profesionalių vairuotojų rizikingo vairavimo sąsajas su jų vertybinėmis orientacijomis ir įsipareigojimu organizacijai. Tyrime dalyvavo 160 profesionalių vairuotojų iš Kauno, Klaipėdos, Telšių, Pasvalio, Kaišiadorių, Tauragės, Šilutės, Zarasų, Šilalės ir Kretingos miestų. Rizikingas vairavimas buvo tiriamas „Vairavimo Elgesio Klausimynu“ (DBQ), vertybinės orientacijos - M. M. Rokičiaus „Vertybinių orientacijų tyrimo“ metodika (Rokeach, 1972), įsipareigojimas organizacijai „Organizacinio įsipareigojimo klausimynu“ (Yousef, 2003). Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad profesionalių vairuotojų rizikingas vairavimas nepriklauso nuo jų amžiaus, vairavimo stažo, šeimyninės padėties. Tik nustatyta, kad profesionalūs vairuotojai, kurie turi aukštąjį išsilavinimą, vairuodami daro daugiau nedidelių apsirikimų kelyje. Profesionalių vairuotojų vertybinės orientacijos (tiek socialinės, tiek egocentrinės) yra susijusios su jų rizikingu vairavimo elgesiu. Kuo labiau profesionalus vairuotojas vertina socialines vertybes, tuo mažiau yra linkęs rizikingai vairuoti (daro mažiau vairavimo reikšmingų klaidų bei tyčinių pažeidimų). Taip pat kuo labiau profesionalus vairuotojas vertina egocentrines vertybes, tuo mažiau rizikingai vairuoja (daro mažiau nedidelių apsirikimų, vairavimo reikšmingų klaidų bei tyčinių pažeidimų). Profesionalių vairuotojų įsipareigojimas organizacijai nėra susijęs su sociodemografiniais veiksniais (amžiumi, išsilavinimu, šeimynine padėtimi, vairavimo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Purpose of the survey - to assess the professional drivers' risky driving links with their value orientation and commitment to the organization. The study included 160 professional drivers in Kaunas, Klaipėda, Telšiai, Pasvalys, Kaišiadoriai, Tauragė, Šilutė, Zarasai, Šilalė and Kretinga cities. Risky driving has been studied using Driving Conduct Questionnaire (DBQ), value orientations methodology of Value orientations study by M. M. Rokičius (Rokeach, 1972), commitment to the organization using Organizational commitment questionnaire (Yousef, 2003). The results showed that risky driving of professional drivers is irrespective of their age, driving experience and marital status. Only found that professional drivers who have higher education, they are doing more small oversights on the road than others. Professional drivers value orientations (both social and egocentric) are associated with their risky driving behaviour. The more professional driver maximizes the social values the less he is inclined to risky driving (makes less driving significant errors and intentional violations). The more also a professional driver maximizes the egocentric values, the less risky driving he makes (makes less minor oversights, driving significant errors and intentional violations). Professional drivers’ undertaking the organization is not related to socio-demographic factors (age, education, marital status, driving and seniority). However, the less the driver has committed to a... [to full text]

<p>A cross- sectional descriptive study using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire was conducted with pupils in standards four to seven (aged 10 &ndash / 17 years) in ten government primary schools in Meru District. The sample of 400 school pupils was obtained by a simple random sampling technique. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (version 15) computer software and the results were presented in frequencies using simple percentages, tables and graphs. The Chi-square test was used to assess the significance where a p-value of &lt / 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In conclusion, Primary school pupils in Meru district engage in several risky sexual behaviors including substance use, sexual coercion, early sexual debut and engaging in various sexual practices. This calls for a more comprehensive approach in the fight against HIV among primary school children in Tanzania, which could include life skill training at an early age, behaviour change communication interventions, advocacy activities to influence policy formulation, condom promotion and incorporating key stakeholders in the rollout of school based HIV programmes such as parents, community leaders and faith-based organizations leaders.</p>

<p>The aim of the study was to explore the socio-cultural influences in decision making involving sexual behaviour among adolescents in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Cultural beliefs associated with adolescents&rsquo / decision to become sexually active were explored, as well as the social norms influences involved in adolescents&rsquo / sexual behaviour. The theoretical framework used for the study was Bronfenbrenner&rsquo / s ecological systems theory of development. The results indicated that adolescent pregnancy was perceived as unacceptable behaviour although found widespread in communities. Social influences such as peer influence, low socioeconomic status, alcohol use and lack of parental supervision were found to play a role in adolescents&rsquo / risky sexual behaviour. Cultural beliefs, cultural myths and social norms were identified as socio-cultural influences that endorsed issues such as gender disparities, which made adolescent mothers vulnerable. Findings from this study suggest that female adolescents are faced with sexual behaviour complexities.</p>

Drug abuse as well as risky sexual behaviours has been identified, globally as well as in South Africa, as social problems with dire consequences. Research suggests that crystal methamphetamine use leads to risky sexual behaviours such having unprotected sex, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STI's) including HIV infection. Adolescents as well as females have been identified as risk populations for both sexual risk behaviours and drug abuse. Furthermore, the Western Cape showed high rates of crystal methamphetamine addiction, especially in the under 20 age category, and the highest increase in the incidence of HIV infections in South Africa. This may be indicative of the magnitude of the problem of risky sexual behaviours in the context of crystal methamphetamine use in the Western Cape.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between energy drink consumption (with and without alcohol) and other risky behaviors; students’ overall awareness level of the risks for consuming energy drinks; and overall behavioral intention to consume energy drinks among college students at the University of Kentucky. A total of 277 students enrolled during the Spring 2012 semester responded to the online survey, 46.5% (n=129) of which were considered energy drink users. Students classified as energy drink users participated in other risky behaviors more often than non-users (p=0.001). In addition, energy drink users exhibited a higher awareness level for the risks associated with energy drink consumption both with (p=0.000) and without (p=0.000) alcohol. Those who were more aware of the risks associated with energy drink consumption, both with (p=0.001) and without (p=0.001) alcohol, were found to have increased intention to consume energy drinks within the next month compared to those with lower awareness levels. There is a need for future research on this topic, as well as a need for expanded education and intervention programming for college students regarding the risks of energy drink consumption (with and without alcohol).

College students and emerging adults have been found to be at risk for smoking cigarettes, drinking to excess, using illicit drugs, driving dangerously, and engaging in risky sexual and delinquent behaviour. Psychosocial correlates (Sensation Seeking, peer behaviour, parent behaviour, and peer and parent anti-substance use messages) from three domains of influence (personality, parent, and peer) were examined together to provide a greater context for the occurrence of such health-risk behaviours. The strongest predictor(s) of each behaviour were identified to better inform intervention practices. Three groups were compared— 1) those who never tried substances, 2) those who tried substances in the past, and 3) those who continue to use substances at present, in a population of emerging adults. Self-report data was gathered from 203 Collèges d'Enseignement Général Et Professionnel (CEGEP) students in the Montreal region. Measures included: Reckless Behaviour Questionnaire, Reckless Driving Measure, Health Behaviour Survey, Sensation Seeking Scale—Form V, and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Results revealed that peer behaviour was the most significant predictor of substance use in emerging adults, whereas parent behaviour was only a significant predictor of reckless driving. Sensation Seeking, specifically Disinhibition, was found to predict more global reckless behaviours, including illegal activities, such as stealing or using marijuana (p < .01). Neither peer nor parent anti-substance messages were significantly related to any of the health-risk behaviours measured in this study. It would appear that health-risk behaviours tend to be related to the same underlying factors but to varying degrees. Intervention implications are discussed.

Objetivo: A principal finalidade desse estudo foi verificar a diferença entre dois grupos de motoristas – aqueles que apresentaram alcoolemia positiva medida através de etilômetro e/ou uso prévio de outras SPAs, averiguado através de exame de saliva, e aqueles que não apresentaram – em relação a comportamentos de risco, transtorno depressivo maior, mania e hipomania, TEPT, e TPAS, assim como abuso ou dependência de SPAs. Método: Em um estudo transversal, 1.134 motoristas que dirigiam em rodovias federais brasileiras foram avaliados através de etilômetro para verificar alcoolemia e teste de saliva para verificar a presença de drogas. Posteriormente, por meio de entrevistas telefônicas, foram avaliados em relação a transtornos psiquiátricos e comportamentos de risco. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos (motoristas com resultados positivos para uso de substâncias (n=82) e motoristas com resultados negativos (n=1052)). Os resultados foram comparados com o teste qui-quadrado e com análise de regressão logística. Em relação aos comportamentos de risco, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos de motoristas. Resultados: Motoristas que apresentaram uso de SPAs apresentaram maior prevalência de diagnósticos psiquiátricos como depressão (21,8%), mania/hipomania (20,8%), TEPT (10,7%), TPAS (9,0%), abuso de substâncias (24,5%) quando comparados com outros motoristas (5,8%, 7,1%, 0,4%, 1,2% e 2,8%, respectivamente). Participantes com algum diagnóstico psiquiátrico tinham 4,47 mais chance de apresentar o desfecho. Aqueles com dependência/abuso de alguma SPA tinham 5,47 mais chance de dirigir sob influência de álcool ou drogas. Conclusões: Indivíduos que dirigem sob influência de álcool e/ou outras drogas podem precisar de avaliações e intervenções destinadas para transtornos psiquiátricos específicos. Esses resultados poderão servir como base ao desenvolvimento e implementação de políticas públicas no Brasil. Palavras-chave: Transtornos psiquiátricos, comportamentos de risco, álcool, substâncias psicoativas, dirigir sob influência de substâncias. / Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between two groups of drivers – drivers who, on recruitment of the sample, showed blood alcohol content recorded by breathalyzer and previous use of other psychoactive substances examined through saliva test and those who didn’t drive under the influence – regarding risky behaviors, major depression disorder, mania and hypomania, PTSD and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), as well as substances abuse or dependence. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 1,134 individuals driving on federal highways in Brazilian cities took alcohol breathalyzer tests and drug saliva tests and were evaluated, thru telephonic interview, regarding psychiatric disorders and risky behaviors. Participants were divided into two groups (drivers who tested positive for substances (n=82) and those who did not (n=1052)). Data were compared by the Chisquare test and with a logistic regression model. Results: Substance positive drivers reported a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses like depression (21.8%), mania/hypomania (20.8%), post traumatic stress disorder (10.7%), antisocial personality (9.0%), substance use (24.5%) when compared to other drivers (5.8%, 7.1%, 0.4%, 1.2% and 2.8%, respectively). Participants with a psychiatric symptom were 4.47 times more likely to test positive for substance use. Similarly, participants with a substance use disorder were 5.47 times more likely to test positive for substance use. There were no significant differences between the groups of drivers, related to risky behaviors. Conclusion: Individuals who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol may need assessments and interventions targeted to specific psychiatric disorders. These results will inform the development of public policies in Brazil.