Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Risk behaviours among young people. Evaluation and descriptive analysis
M Roccella1, G Turdo, G Chiarello
1School of Infant Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychology, University of Palermo, via Dei Mille 972, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
Young people engage in high-risk behaviors like substance abuse and unprotected sex due to poor information on prevention. This reflects societal issues of vague values and lack of limits.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Risk behaviors are increasingly prevalent among young people, impacting their health and lives.
- These behaviors encompass self-harm, risky sexual activity, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate high-risk behaviors among university students.
- To explore the association between these behaviors and information deficits regarding disease prevention and substance use.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 200 university students (100 males, 100 females) at the University of Palermo.
- The questionnaire covered demographics, sexual experiences, health status, drug/alcohol use, and social relationships.
Main Results:
- University students exhibit various high-risk behaviors, including drug/alcohol use, unprotected sex, and disregard for health status.
- A significant correlation was found between these behaviors and a lack of adequate information on preventing sexually transmitted diseases and substance abuse.
Conclusions:
- The rise in risk-taking behaviors among youth is linked to a societal climate characterized by ambiguity, diminished boundaries, and a decline in shared values.
- Addressing information gaps in health and prevention is crucial for mitigating these risks.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Bullying
Relative Risk
Conduct Disorder
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification