Rising social complexity, familial instability, poverty, and unemployment have contributed to an increase in runaway behavior among adolescent girls, a high-risk phenomenon with profound psychological and social repercussions. While environmental factors are influential, individual mental health and personality traits are critical determinants. This study aimed to examine the mental health profiles and personality characteristics of runaway girls in Chahar-Mahal & Bakhtiari province, Iran, to identify psychological patterns underlying this behavior and inform preventive strategies.



A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted with 18 runaway girls under the care of the Shahrekord Welfare Organization. Data were collected using the GHQ-28 for mental health assessment and the Neo-FFI for personality traits, then analyzed via descriptive and correlational methods using SPSS.



Results revealed poor mental health among participants, particularly marked by social dysfunction and depression. Neuroticism scores were notably high, while extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness fell below average. Correlation analyses indicated significant associations: low agreeableness correlated with heightened social dysfunction, and high neuroticism was linked to increased depression.



These findings underscore that runaway girls exhibit maladaptive personality structures and compromised mental health, necessitating specialized psychological interventions and empowerment programs. Recognizing these interconnections can facilitate the development of targeted preventive policies and therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating runaway incidents and enhancing the psychological well-being of this vulnerable population.