Protective and risk factors and educational expectations for adolescents from the perspectives of adolescents and parents

The purpose of this study is to identify the risk and protective factors perceived by both adolescents and their parents, and to explore adolescents' experiences in school experiences as well as their educational expectations. A qualitative research design was adopted in order to elicit clear, coherent, and flexible responses that would help interpret the behaviors and thoughts of adolescents and their parents. The study group consisted of 10 high school students (5 female, 5 male) and 10 parents (5 female, 5 male) from a high school located in Ankara, Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings of the study were categorized under seven main themes: (1) general life experience and coping with challenges, (2) individual risk factors, (3) environmental risk factors, (4) protective factors, (5) educational expectations, (6) future and adulthood-related expectations, and (7) parental perspectives. Most adolescents described their lives as "ordinary but fine," yet reported that factors such as academic workload, time constraints, and exam-related stress negatively affected their life satisfaction. Some participants reported experiencing difficulties in peer relationships, inadequate school environments, and employing coping strategies such as withdrawal, seeking family support, or ignoring stressors. This indicates that individuals fluctuate between adaptive and avoidant coping tendencies. Prominent individual risk factors included high anxiety levels, emotional sensitivity, irritability, ambition, excessive compliance, and egocentric approach. Some of these traits have the potential to hinder adolescents' psychological development, highlighting the need to support self-regulation skills and social awareness. Environmental risk factors emerged as social media, negative peer influence, school settings, and concerns about physical safety. The boundless nature of social media and the strong influence of peers may make adolescents more susceptible to external influences. In contrast, the most frequently emphasized protective factor was family support. Participants noted that democratic and supportive parenting, along with positive peer relationships, participation in physical and sports activities, and healthy role models, had a protective effect on psychological resilience. In terms of educational expectations, families were observed to expect high academic achievement, opportunities abroad, and career choices that would lead to their children's happiness. However, some families approached this process not solely from a success-oriented perspective but based on internal satisfaction, suitability, and individual well-being. Adolescents' expectations for the future and adulthood were shaped by both a continuity of personality traits and a desire for change and maturation. Some participants expressed a goal of becoming more understanding and sensitive individuals in the future and living independent lives. Keywords: Adolescence, Risk Factors, Protective Factors, Educational Expectations, Parental Perspectives