Hardiness and gender as determinants of risk-taking behaviours of adolescent learners in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Objectives: The specific objectives of this study were to determine whether: (1) hardiness as a personality trait will influence risk-taking behaviours of adolescents; (2) gender will influence risk-taking behaviours and (3) there would be an interaction effect of gender and hardiness variables on risk-taking behaviours of adolescents in Limpopo Province. Method: Using an Ex-post facto research design, data were collected from three hundred and fifty (350) school learners , randomly selected, using a table of random numbers of „yes‟ or „no‟ from two (2) high schools (Khwevha and Thivhilaeli) in Vhembe District. Two hundred and forty five (245) learners from Khwevha and 105 learners from Thivhilaeli participated in the study. The mean age was 16.2 (SD = 1.2) years. Their ages ranged from 14 to 19 years. Hypotheses were tested with a 2X2 Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: For hypothesis 1, the results showed that hardiness influence risk-taking behaviours in adolescents. For hypothesis 2, the results revealed that gender also influences risk-taking behaviours in adolescents. For hypothesis 3, the results showed that male and female adolescents who were low in hardiness traits were not significantly different in risk-taking behaviours compared to male and female adolescents who were high in hardiness traits. Recommendations: Hardiness trait should be considered by professionals as a significant construct in risk reduction programmes or interventions for adolescents. Interventions that have a broader focus and impact on the community such as schools, family, and other institutions should be encouraged and implemented in order to reduce risk-taking behaviours practised by adolescents.