Explaining behavioral problems of high school students based on personal identity and perfectionism with the mediating role of dependence on artificial intelligence

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explain behavioral problems based on perfectionism and individual identity with the mediating role of dependence on artificial intelligence in junior and senior high school students in Shiraz. This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational with a path analysis approach in terms of methodology. The statistical population included all junior and senior high school students in Shiraz during the academic year 2024-2025. The research sample was selected using convenience sampling method, and 250 eligible students (studying in grades 7 to 12, aged 14 to 18 years, and providing informed consent) entered the study. The instruments used included the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (1990), the Ahmadi Identity and Identity Crisis Questionnaire (1997), the Morales-García Dependence on Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire (2024), and the Achenbach Youth Self-Report (YSR) Behavioral Problems Questionnaire (1991). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 27 and path analysis in Amos software. The findings indicated that dependence on artificial intelligence plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between perfectionism and behavioral problems, as well as in the relationship between individual identity and behavioral problems (P<0.01). These results suggest that perfectionism and identity crisis can intensify behavioral problems in students through increasing dependence on artificial intelligence.