A Comparative Study of Social Relationships and Risk-Taking Behaviour Between Generation X and Generation Z During Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Sreevalsan M C, Dr. Richa Gupta

Abstract: Adolescence and early adulthood are formative developmental periods in which social relationships and risk-taking behaviour are shaped by broader social, cultural, and technological contexts. The present study compared social relationships and risk-taking behaviour between Generation X and Generation Z, two cohorts whose adolescent experiences differed substantially in exposure to digital technology and social media. A quantitative, cross-sectional comparative design was adopted. Data were collected from 304 respondents residing in South India, with equal representation from Generation X (n = 152; 45-60 years) and Generation Z (n = 152; 18-28 years). Participants completed a 10-item Social Relationships Scale and a 10-item Risk-Taking Behaviour Scale using behaviourally anchored response options. Descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk tests of normality, independent-samples t tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted. Social relationship scores did not differ significantly between Generation X (M = 36.01, SD = 2.93) and Generation Z (M = 36.57, SD = 2.93), t(302) = -1.64, p = .102, d = -0.19. In contrast, Generation Z reported significantly higher risk-taking behaviour (M = 21.34, SD = 3.57) than Generation X (M = 18.52, SD = 2.88), t(302) = -7.58, p

Keywords: Generation X, Generation Z, social relationships, risk-taking behaviour, adolescence, social media

How to Cite?: Sreevalsan M C, Dr. Richa Gupta, "A Comparative Study of Social Relationships and Risk-Taking Behaviour Between Generation X and Generation Z During Adolescence and Early Adulthood", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2145-2149, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26726065808, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26726065808

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