explain two contributing factors of the above mentioned youth risky behaviour
Explain two contributing factors of the above mentioned youth risky behaviour
Answer:
Examining youth risky behaviors is crucial for understanding the underlying causes and taking steps to mitigate them. Such behaviors often lead to adverse outcomes like substance abuse, delinquency, and health issues. Let’s delve into two primary contributing factors to these risky behaviors.
1. Peer Pressure
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Explanation: Adolescents are highly influenced by their peers. During teenage years, the need to fit in and be accepted by peers becomes particularly strong. If their peer group engages in risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or engaging in unprotected sex, this can create a powerful psychological pressure to conform.
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Details:
- Influence and Imitation: Young individuals often imitate behaviors that they observe in their friends or those within their social circle to gain acceptance or avoid rejection.
- Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement from peers for engaging in risky activities (e.g., praise, recognition) can encourage repeated behavior.
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Example: A teenager who sees their friends smoking might start smoking themselves to appear “cool” or to feel socially included.
2. Family Environment
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Explanation: The family is the primary socializing agent for children and teenagers. The family environment plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s behavior. Dysfunctional family dynamics, such as lack of supervision, poor communication, and inconsistent discipline, often contribute to youth engaging in risky behaviors.
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Details:
- Parental Influence: Parental behaviors and attitudes towards risk (e.g., substance use, law adherence) set a precedent for their children. Adolescents are more likely to exhibit risky behaviors if they come from families where such behaviors are normalized or overlooked.
- Emotional Support and Boundaries: Lack of emotional support, guidance, and clear boundaries can lead to feelings of neglect and low self-esteem, pushing adolescents towards risky behaviors as an escape or coping mechanism.
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Example: A teenager from a family where parents frequently drink alcohol may perceive drinking as a normal behavior and thus engage in it at an early age.
Understanding these factors provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions and support systems to reduce the prevalence of risky behaviors among youth, ultimately fostering a healthier and more secure developmental trajectory.
By thoroughly exploring these contributing factors, we can better comprehend and address the root causes of youth risky behaviors. If you have any follow-up questions or need further elaboration on specific aspects, feel free to ask!