High risk behaviour in adolescents

Abstract

Background: High-risk behaviours are a set of behaviours which pose an increased risk of physical, social or emotional problems to an individual and society at large. These behaviours manifest as violence, substance use, risky sexual behaviour, suicide, and eating disorders. Adolescence is the age group that has the highest propensity for detrimental impact by the adverse consequences of such high risk behaviours. The available literature in related fields bears extensive information regarding the factors leading to high risk behaviours in adolescents. In spite of these in depth studies and well explored facts, there is a lack in required interventions at a grassroots level to contain this issue. The aim of this article is to review the literature in this area and provide comprehensive insights pertaining to the factors contributing to high risk behaviour in adolescents. It also looks at suggesting a way forward. It provides comprehensive insights pertaining to the factors contributing to high risk behaviour in adolescents. It concludes, high risk behaviour in adolescents is not a phenomenon that can be attributed to a single factor. It is an interplay of various factors that determine, influence and make adolescents more susceptible to risk taking.