Evaluation of the high school students' delinquent behaviors within the scope of protective factors

Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which individuals engage more intensely with their social environment and become increasingly prone to risky behaviors. Identifying protective factors that can prevent youth involvement in delinquency is essential for the development of effective preventive policies (Bartollas ve Schmalleger, 2013; Bryant ve Peck, 2007). This thesis aims to examine the rule-breaking behaviors that may predict delinquent acts among high school students within the framework of protective factors and to propose strategies to strengthen those factors found to be significant. The study sample consists of 511 students enrolled in 13 high schools located in Alanya, Antalya. Data were collected face-to-face using the Rule-Breaking Behavior Scale (Kaner, 2001), the Defining Issues Test (Cesur ve Topcu, 2010), the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (Yardımcı ve Başbakkal, 2010), the Student Information Form, and the School Information Form. The data were digitized and analyzed using SPSS 29.0.2 through descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses. The results indicate that higher levels of moral development, paternal education, perceived social support from various sources (parents, teachers, classmates, and close friends), peers' adherence to rules, and positive school-related indicators (GPA, low absenteeism, affection for school, and fewer disciplinary actions) significantly predict lower levels of rule-breaking behavior. Among these, teacher support emerged as an independent protective factor. Unexpectedly, participation in school teams and receiving high levels of support from close friends were positively associated with rule-breaking behaviors. In light of the findings, various suggestions have been proposed to strengthen school-based structures that support adolescents' moral and social development, to enhance social support mechanisms, and to expand preventive programs particularly targeting at-risk youth. Keywords: Rule-breaking behavior, protective factors, moral development, perceived social support, school-related factors