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2026, 7(1): 78-95 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.TNB.REC.1404.179
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Azizi N, Baseri A, Abolmaali Al-Husseini K. (2026). Multilevel Analysis of Individual and Social Factors Associated With Social Interests Among Iranian Adolescents From Different Ethnic Groups. Journal of Childhood Health and Education. 7(1), 78-95. doi:10.32598/JECHE.7.1.452.1
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-395-en.html
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-395-en.html
1- Department of Educational Psychology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (787 Views)
Background and Aim The present study aimed to conduct a multilevel analysis of individual and social factors associated with social interest among Iranian adolescents from different ethnic groups (Fars, Kurd, and Turk). The individual-level variables were parenting styles, self-efficacy, and basic psychological needs, while social-level variables included provincial human development indicators (life expectancy, education, and per capita income).
Research Methods This is a correlational study using multilevel modeling. The participants were 600 adolescents aged 15-17 living in Tabriz, Tehran, and Sanandaj cities, which are for the Fars, Turk, and Kurd ethnic groups, respectively. They were selected via convenience sampling. They completed Schaefer’s Parenting Style Questionnaire, Sherer et al.’s General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Crandall’s Social Interest Questionnaire, and Gagné, Deci, and Ryan’s Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS). The data related to human development indicators were obtained from the Iranian Statistical Organization. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS, software, version 23, JASP, version 0.96.0 and AMOS version 24.
Results Of 600 participants, 592 completed the questionnaires. Self-efficacy did not have a significant direct effect on social interest (P>0.05). In contrast, parenting styles significantly predicted social interest (P<0.05). At the social level, differences in human development indicators across ethnic groups were significant (P<0.05). The interaction effect of self-efficacy and human development index (P<0.05) and the interaction effect of parenting style and human development index (P<0.05) on social interest were significant. However, the interaction effect of basic psychological needs and the human development index was not significant. The final model demonstrated good fit across all three ethnic groups.
Conclusion The social interest among Iranian adolescents is simultaneously influenced by individual and social factors, reflecting its cross cultural nature. Parenting style is the most important individual predictor of social interest, while the human development index was a significant social predictor. This suggests an effective strategy for promoting mental health, social cohesion, and social capital at both individual and collective levels. The findings confirm the importance of a multilevel approach in analyzing adolescents’ social behaviors.
Research Methods This is a correlational study using multilevel modeling. The participants were 600 adolescents aged 15-17 living in Tabriz, Tehran, and Sanandaj cities, which are for the Fars, Turk, and Kurd ethnic groups, respectively. They were selected via convenience sampling. They completed Schaefer’s Parenting Style Questionnaire, Sherer et al.’s General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Crandall’s Social Interest Questionnaire, and Gagné, Deci, and Ryan’s Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS). The data related to human development indicators were obtained from the Iranian Statistical Organization. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS, software, version 23, JASP, version 0.96.0 and AMOS version 24.
Results Of 600 participants, 592 completed the questionnaires. Self-efficacy did not have a significant direct effect on social interest (P>0.05). In contrast, parenting styles significantly predicted social interest (P<0.05). At the social level, differences in human development indicators across ethnic groups were significant (P<0.05). The interaction effect of self-efficacy and human development index (P<0.05) and the interaction effect of parenting style and human development index (P<0.05) on social interest were significant. However, the interaction effect of basic psychological needs and the human development index was not significant. The final model demonstrated good fit across all three ethnic groups.
Conclusion The social interest among Iranian adolescents is simultaneously influenced by individual and social factors, reflecting its cross cultural nature. Parenting style is the most important individual predictor of social interest, while the human development index was a significant social predictor. This suggests an effective strategy for promoting mental health, social cohesion, and social capital at both individual and collective levels. The findings confirm the importance of a multilevel approach in analyzing adolescents’ social behaviors.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/15 | Accepted: 2026/03/21 | Published: 2026/03/21
Received: 2025/12/15 | Accepted: 2026/03/21 | Published: 2026/03/21
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