The Associations of Family Cohesion and Impulsivity with High-Risk Behaviors in Female High School Students: The Mediating Role of Internet Addiction

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

10.30476/jhmi.2026.110072.1344

Abstract

Introduction: Risky behaviors among adolescents represent a significant global public health concern. This study examined the direct and indirect effects of family cohesion and impulsivity on risky behaviors in female high school students, focusing on the mediating role of internet addiction.
Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design with structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed. The sample consisted of 661 female high school students in Ahvaz, Iran (2024–2025 academic year), selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. Instruments included the Family Cohesion Scale (FCS), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Iranian Adolescent Risk-Taking Scale (IARS). The mediation model was tested using path analysis.
Results: Family cohesion was significantly and negatively associated with risky behaviors (β=−0.23, P<0.001), while impulsivity showed a significant positive association (β=0.20, P<0.001). Internet addiction partially mediated both relationships, with significant indirect effects for family cohesion (β=−0.05, 95% CI (−0.08, −0.03), P<0.001) and impulsivity (β=0.07, 95% CI (0.04, 0.10), P<0.001).
Conclusion: Lower family cohesion and higher impulsivity were associated with greater internet addiction, which in turn was associated with elevated risky behaviors among female adolescents. These cross-sectional findings are consistent with a statistical mediation model in which internet addiction partially mediates the associations between family cohesion/impulsivity and risky behaviors. Prevention and intervention efforts may benefit from targeting family bonds, impulsivity, and internet addiction to mitigate risky behaviors in this population.

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Health Management & Information Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 April 2026

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