Extended abstract Introduction Various factors influence risky behaviors. One of the most significant factors affecting people’s behavior and actions is their religious beliefs. According to experts, religion plays a crucial role in regulating deviant behaviors by encouraging individuals to engage in good deeds while deterring misconduct through a system of rewards and punishments. Sociologists have widely recognized religion as a key institution in shaping moral commitments, reinforcing social norms, and instilling fear of consequences for norm violation. Numerous studies highlight that religious individuals tend to be more law-abiding, abstain from alcohol and drug use, and adhere to social norms (Adler et al., 2005: 139). Although modernity has led to a decline in the influence and social power of religious organization, some researchers still emphasize the active and prominent role of religion in shaping individuals’ personal and social lives. Religion provides meaning in times of political and social uncertainty and fosters unity and cohesion among different social groups. Based on this perspective and considering the ongoing processes of modernization and societal transformation, religion continues to be regarded as a fundamental source of meaning in the contemporary world. (Giddens; translated by Chavoshian, 2010: 62). Another key factor influencing high-risk behaviors among adolescents is peer groups. As children enter adolescence, the influence of peers in their lives increases (Stenberg & Monahan, 2010: 153). Consequently, teenagers become more attentive to peer acceptance and rejection. A primary underlying factor that gives meaning and direction to life is the sense of belonging and social connection. Adolescents who experience a lack of social relationships may perceive life as meaningless, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors (Rahmani et al., 2016: 10). Research indicates that group identity significantly impacts adolescent behavior, with peers—particularly delinquent peers—playing a crucial role in shaping high-risk behaviors. Given the importance of adolescence as a critical period for the emergence of high-risk behaviors, it is essential to identify the psychological and social factors contributing to such tendencies. Recognizing these factors allows for the implementation of effective preventive measures (Fenestra et al., 2011: 408). Social support is another influential variable in mitigating risky behaviors (Schultz & Schwartzberg, 2015). The concept of social support encompasses affection, care, companionship, respect, attention, and assistance from individuals or groups such as family members, friends, and others (Sarafino; translated by Mirzaei, 2018: 53).
Method The present study employs a descriptive-correlational research method, aligning with its practical purpose. The statistical population consists of all students in the second secondary level of Darudzen district in Shiraz city, with a total population of 600 students based on official statistics. A sample of 234 students was selected using Morgan’s table through random sampling. Data collection was conducted using four questionnaires: the Religiosity Questionnaire, the Riskiness Scale of Iranian Adolescents, and the Peer Rejection Questionnaire.
Results The findings indicate a negative correlation between religiosity, social support, and risky behaviors. Conversely, there is a significant positive correlation between peer rejection and risky behaviors among female high school students. Moreover, religiosity, peer rejection, and social support serve as predictors of high-risk behaviors among female secondary school students.
Discussion The study reveals a significant relationship between religiosity and high-risk behaviors among female secondary school students in the Darudzen district of Shiraz. These findings are consistent with previous studies, including those by Jazayeri et al. (2018), Kalate-Sadati et al. (2017), Kohi and Vafai-Aghdam (2016), and Afshani et al. (2014). Furthermore, the results confirm the significant relationship between peer rejection and high-risk behaviors in this demographic, corroborating prior research conducted by Bakhshsh-Barojin et al. (2019), Ahmadi et al. (2016), and Ergan et al. (2019). There is a significant relationship between social support and high-risk behaviors among female secondary school students in the Darudzen district of Shiraz. Several studies support this hypothesis, including research by Zaddesh and Babakhani (2019), Alexander et al. (2019), and Kaptanovich et al. (2019). The findings indicate that religiosity, peer rejection, and social support are key predictors of high-risk behaviors among female students in this region. A review of existing studies reveals that no research has exclusively examined the role of religiosity, peer rejection, and social support as predictors of high-risk behaviors. However, the present study aligns with prior research, including studies by Jazayeri et al. (2018), Kalate-Sadati et al. (2017), Kohi and Vafai-Aghdam (2016),Afshani et al. (2014), Bakhshish-Broujani et al. (2019), Ahmadi et al. (2016), Orgen et al. (2019), Zaddesh and Babakhani (2019), Alexander et al. (2019), and Kaptanovich et al. (2019). Ethical Considerations This study adheres to all ethical principles. Participants were thoroughly informed about the objectives and methodology of the research. They were assured of the confidentiality of their personal information and were granted the right to withdraw from the study at any stage. Furthermore, the research findings were made accessible to them.