Risk behaviours in adolescence: predictive role of mindful parenting

ABSTRACT This research aimed to explore the role of parental characteristics and mindful parenting in risk behaviour of adolescents. A total of 604 participants took part in the study, out of which N = 361 were adolescents aged 13 to 18, N = 158 were their mothers, and N = 85 fathers. To achieve the aim of the research, the following questionnaires were used: The General Data Questionnaire for Adolescents and Parents, The Adolescent Risk Behaviour Questionnaire, The Family Satisfaction Scale, and The Mindful Parenting Questionnaire. The results indicated that male adolescents report more often on violent behaviour, while girls report symptoms of eating disorders and they are less satisfied with their life. Related to age, older adolescents report lower life and family satisfaction and more often normative undesirable behaviour. The family satisfaction of adolescents, as well as mindful parenting, are negatively associated with risk behaviour, while the focus of attention on the child, self-efficacy, and empathy is positively related to the satisfaction of adolescents. The results support existing knowledge in this field and have strong practical implications for prevention and treatment interventions targeting family context.