Testing the High-Risk Behavior Model Among the Students Based on Religious Orientation With the Mediation of Fear of Death

Adolescents are at high-risk for adverse health outcomes associated with high-risk behavior. The present study aimed to test the high-risk behavior model among the students based on religious orientation with the mediation of fear of death. This descriptive correlational study utilized structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all senior high school female students in Mashhad. 200 students were selected using cluster random sampling method. Data collection tools included the Iranian Adolescents Risk-taking Scale, Templer Death Anxiety Scale, and Allport and Ross Religious Orientation Scale. The result of a structural equation model suggested that the relationship between religious orientation and high-risk behavior was mediated through fear of death. Furthermore intrinsic religiosity has a negative direct relation with fear of death and high-risk behavior, and extrinsic religious orientation have a positive direct relation with fear of death and high-risk behavior. On this basis, it was concluded that religious orientation influences high-risk behavior indirectly through fear of death.