An examination of selected demographic variables affecting personal choice that leads to risk taking behaviors with juvenile wards of the court

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationships demographic variables (grade grouping, gender and home type) have relative to at-risk student's decision to participate in risk-taking behaviors that negatively affect adolescent development and often compromise their health, and futures.;A non-experimental, correlational research design was used in this study. The Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors Survey (PSL-AB) was also used to collect data. A series of multiple regression analyses were calculated to predict risk behavior scores while controlling for each demographic variable: gender, grade grouping and home type. In order to examine the relationship between the independent variables groupings and risk-taking behaviors, a One-Way Analysis of Variance was performed between all the variables. The analysis assessed 13 risk-taking behaviors that research has shown to be detrimental to positive growth. The findings from this study may assist in identifying the significance demographic variables have relative to at-risk student's risk-taking behaviors and may help educators enhance retention efforts.;The data set for this investigation used existing data gathered in April of 2005 collected by the Legacy Center for Student Success of youths in grades 6 through 12 who were wards of the court. The survey collected self-reported data with parental consent.;No significant relationships were found between home type and risk-taking behaviors. Statistically significant relationships between grade grouping and risk-taking behaviors were found for alcohol use, sexual relations and tobacco use. Similarly, statistically significant relationships between gender and risk-taking behaviors were found for attempted suicide, depression and gambling. For specific intervention or prevention programs, the results provide useful data. These significant factors provide additional information to the existing body of literature regarding the identification of risk-taking behaviors of at-risk adolescents.