Parental Authority, Adolescent Defiance, and Risk-Taking: Predictors of Unintentional Injuries in Israeli Youth

This study explores the role of parental authority and adolescent defiance in shaping risk-taking behaviors and unintentional injuries among Israeli youth. We surveyed adolescents aged 15–17 (n = 501), to examine the association between adolescent conformity to parental expectations, self-reported risk behaviors, and injury experiences. Results revealed that adolescents who prioritized fulfilling parental expectations were less likely to report injuries, while those perceiving themselves as more cautious than their parents were less likely to experience near-injury incidents within their social circles. Surprisingly, adolescents who reported frequent conflicts with their parents were also less likely to sustain injuries, suggesting that such interactions may reflect parental involvement and adolescents’ receptivity to guidance. These findings underscore the complex interplay between parental engagement, adolescent defiance, and risk behavior, highlighting the protective potential of parental influence within the family context.