Abstract:

The contribution is focused on the relation between perceived control and risk behaviour of the adolescents aged 12-15 years. We conceptualized the perceived control by the Skinnerʼs theory. It consists of four basic variables: effort, attitudes, powerful others, luck. But it is also possible to work with variables as promote, undermine and total score of the perceived control. We used Skinnerʼs SPoCQ - Student Perceptions of Control Questionnaire. We conceptualized the risk behaviour by Mezeraʼs theory. Mezera assumes that risk behaviour in school consists of several types of behaviour: asocial, antisocial, egocentric, impulsive, maladaptive, negativistic and lean towards the problem groups. We used SRBP - The Scale of Risk Behaviour of the Pupil, but with small difference. Originally the scale is intended for rating by teachers. We transformed it into self-form for pupils. In our research group there were 109 adolescents visiting the primary school in Stropkov (Slovakia). We hypothesized that the adolescents with high level of risk behaviors (defined by Mezera) will have the lower level of perceived control. We acquired the ambiguous results and we canʼt be accept the hypothesis in the full range. Partial results show the importance of personal believes about Self in the relation with risk behavior production.

Keywords:

Adolescence, risk behaviour, perceived control.