Emotion regulation difficulties, perceived parenting and personality as predictors of health-risk behaviours among adolescents

Abstract

Health-Risk Behaviours (HRBs) are significant antecedent conditions of adverse health outcomes among adolescents, and their prevention requires an in-depth understanding of associated factors. Like any other behaviour, HRBs may be an outcome of a complex interplay between personal and situational factors that determines our responses. Among other factors, emotional tendencies, specific behavioural patterns, and psychosocial environment may be the significant factors working at different hierarchical positions within a system and guiding human behaviours, including HRBs. Previous studies have explored the role of these specific factors in developing and maintaining HRBs, but mainly among the adult population, and no conclusive results could be observed regarding their contribution to HRBs in adolescents. The present study explored the predictability of adolescents’ engagement in HRBs with regard to three representations of the mentioned factors, i.e., emotion regulation difficulties, perceived parenting practices and personality traits. A total of 723 (Males = 440) adolescents (Mage = 16.05, SD = 1.1) provided relevant information on the standardized questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the stated hypotheses. Analysis revealed that the adolescents who reported more difficulty regulating one's emotions, perceived parenting practice as maladaptive, scored high on neuroticism and low on conscientiousness, showed more engagement in HRBs than their counterparts. Further, the findings indicated that emotion regulation difficulties and perceived parenting practices are stronger predictors of HRBs than personality traits. Interventional programs targeting HRBs among adolescents should address specific facets of emotional dysregulation and sensitise parents about their role in moderating adolescents’ HRBs.