Influence of parenting styles on risk-taking behaviour among first year adolescent students on the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of parenting styles and gender differences on risk-taking behaviour among first year adolescent students enrolled at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. Method: Using a cross sectional research design, 300 respondents (147 males and 153 females) were conveniently sampled to participate in the study. The age of respondents ranged between 16 and 19 years with a mean age of 23.47 (males) and 18.55 (females). A questionnaire divided into three sections was used to collect data from respondents. Section A focused on the demographic characteristics of respondents, Section B focused on the Parental Authority Questionnaire, while Section C was based on the RTSHIA scale. Three hypotheses were tested in the study as follows: The first hypothesis was tested using multiple regression; the second was tested using T-test; and third tested using 2x3 ANOVA. Results: The results revealed significant statistical influence between authoritative and permissive parenting styles and risk-taking behaviour. There were gender differences on risk-taking behaviour (t = 298; DF = 7.53; p<.001). The results further revealed main and interaction effects of gender and parenting styles on risk-taking behaviour. It is, therefore, concluded that parenting styles significantly influence risk-taking behaviour. Thus, there is need to formulate intervention strategies to enhance parental and adolescent awareness on different styles of parenting and the effects of risk-taking behaviours.