Abstract

BENINCASA, Miria  and  REZENDE, Manuel Morgado. Perception of risk and protection factors for traffic accidents among adolescents. Bol. psicol [online]. 2006, vol.56, n.125, pp. 241-256. ISSN 0006-5943.

Traffic accidents represent, in several places around the world, the main cause of non-natural death among adolescents. This study aimed to identify risk and protection factors related to this phenomenon. The participants in the study were 32 adolescents, divided into four groups according to their socioeconomic level (ABEP's specifications were used): two groups considered upper level adolescents and two groups of lower level adolescents. Data were collected through the focal group technique. Results indicated the following risk factors for traffic accidents among adolescents: "social gains of driving without a driver's license"; "alcohol ingestion and driving associated"; and "lack of driving abilities". As consequences related to the exposition to traffic accident risk factors, the adolescents mentioned "dying" and "getting hurt". The protection factor presented was "reduction of alcohol consumption before driving". The need for developing health and life protection programs for adolescents was identified in this study.

Keywords : Adolescence; Traffic accidents; Risk factors; Protection factors.

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