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A dual systems model of adolescent risk-taking
1Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. lds@temple.edu
Developmental Psychobiology
|March 10, 2010
Summary
Adolescent risk-taking stems from differing developmental paths for reward-seeking and impulsivity. Reward-seeking peaks in mid-adolescence, while impulsivity steadily declines, creating a window for heightened risk-taking.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Behavior
Background:
- Adolescence is characterized by increased risk-taking, often linked to developing reward systems and impulse control.
- Hypotheses suggest distinct developmental trajectories for reward-seeking and impulsivity contribute to this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in reward-seeking and impulsivity.
- To examine the relationship between these constructs and adolescent risk-taking behavior.
Main Methods:
- A diverse sample of 935 individuals aged 10–30 participated.
- Self-report and behavioral measures assessed reward-seeking and impulsivity.
Main Results:
- Reward-seeking showed a curvilinear pattern, increasing through mid-adolescence and then decreasing.
- Impulsivity demonstrated a linear decline from age 10 onwards.
- Middle adolescence presents a period of heightened risk due to high reward-seeking and developing self-control.
Conclusions:
- The divergent developmental timelines of reward-seeking and impulsivity explain adolescent risk-taking.
- Understanding these distinct trajectories is crucial for interventions targeting adolescent behavior and self-control.
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