A
Fatemeh Askari Rostami; seyed Reza Javadian; Hossein Afrasiabi
Abstract
Objective: Adolescence marks a critical developmental period characterized by profound physical, emotional, and social transformations, which often correlate with engagement in risky behaviors, particularly risky sexual behavior. In Tehran, Iran, a context where sociocultural norms heavily shape adolescents' ...
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Objective: Adolescence marks a critical developmental period characterized by profound physical, emotional, and social transformations, which often correlate with engagement in risky behaviors, particularly risky sexual behavior. In Tehran, Iran, a context where sociocultural norms heavily shape adolescents' behavioral patterns, understanding the drivers of risky sexual behavior is vital for designing culturally responsive interventions. This study employed a qualitative approach inquiry to explore the sociocultural determinants influencing adolescents' engagement in risky sexual behaviors in Tehran. By contextualizing these factors within the region’s unique cultural framework, the research aims to provide nuanced insights for developing a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon within its specific context. Method: This study employed a qualitative design based on grounded theory, a method well-suited for exploring complex social phenomena. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 24 adolescents (12 males and 12 females) aged 14 to 20 who had engaged in risky sexual behavior. Participants were selected using snowball sampling, a technique particularly effective for reaching hard-to-access populations. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring that no new themes emerged from the interviews. The interviews, conducted in various settings such as parks, counseling centers, and hospitals, lasted between 25 to 111 minutes. Data analysis followed the grounded theory approach, involving three stages of coding: open, axial, and selective. This process allowed for the identification of key categories and the development of a paradigmatic model that illustrates the relationships between these categories. Results: The analysis revealed 13 main categories and 38 subcategories, organized into causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Causal conditions included a lack of purpose in life and excessive parental control, which were found to drive adolescents toward risky behaviors. Contextual conditions encompassed perceived poverty, migration, and the pervasive influence of virtual spaces, particularly social media and internet content, which were identified as significant factors in shaping adolescent sexual behavior. Intervening conditions involved religious and cultural restrictions, stigmatization, and fear of social judgment, which acted as barriers or facilitators of risky behavior. Adolescents employed various strategies to navigate these conditions, such as seeking safe and secluded places for intimacy and striving for deeper connections with friends. The consequences of risky sexual behavior included fear of disclosure, severe family punishments, and legal repercussions such as police intervention. The core category emerging from the data was "socio-economic constraints," which played a central role in driving adolescents toward risky sexual behaviors. This category highlighted how economic hardship and social inequality create an environment where risky behaviors become a means of coping or seeking validation. Conclusion: This study provides a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social determinants of risky sexual behavior among adolescents in Tehran. The findings underscore the complex interplay of factors such as economic hardship, migration, virtual space, and cultural norms in shaping adolescent behavior. The research highlights the importance of addressing these factors through targeted interventions that focus on enhancing family intimacy, improving media literacy, and providing socio-economic support to adolescents. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for psychological and emotional support for adolescents, particularly those experiencing feelings of isolation and lack of purpose. Creating supportive social environments and implementing educational programs that address the root causes of risky behavior are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with adolescent sexual behavior. The paradigmatic model developed in this study offers a framework for understanding the dynamics of risky sexual behavior and can inform future research and policy-making aimed at promoting adolescent well-being.
