Predicting adolescents’ health risk behaviors

The aim of this study was to explore factors of adolescents’ health risk behaviors regarding smoking and alcohol consumption in the framework of the prototype/willingness model and approach connecting personality traits and health risk behaviors. The sample consisted of 341 high school students. Their task was to complete several questionnaires measuring relevant risk factors (attitudes, subjective norms, prototypes and willingness), frequency of smoking/drinking, and personality traits (BFI). The results of hierarchical regression analyses show that personality traits do not contribute substantially to the explanation of health risk behaviors comparing to the elements of the prototype/willingness model. Perception of vulnerability and willingness proved to be individual risk factors of smoking and drinking frequency, while subjective norms were significant risk factors of alcohol use frequency. Only agreeableness was protective factor of alcohol use. The results speak of the importance of social and situational influences on health risk behaviors