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Commentary: Risk taking, impulsivity, and externalizing problems in adolescent development--commentary on Crone et
1Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|February 19, 2016
Summary
Understanding adolescent risk-taking requires viewing it as multi-component, considering outcomes, brain networks, and psychosocial context. Differentiating risk-taking from impulsivity is key for studying adolescent development and externalizing behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent risk-taking is a complex behavior with significant implications for development and psychopathology.
- Current research often simplifies risk-taking, overlooking its multifaceted nature and interactions with context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for a more nuanced understanding of risk-taking in adolescents.
- To highlight the need for expanded research methodologies, including brain imaging, to differentiate risk-taking from impulsivity.
Main Methods:
- This commentary synthesizes existing literature and theoretical frameworks.
- It proposes a multidimensional approach to studying risk-taking, incorporating affective and deliberative components.
- Emphasizes the integration of psychosocial context and outcome evaluation in risk research.
Main Results:
- Risk-taking is not a unitary construct; it comprises distinct affective and deliberative dimensions.
- The relationship between risk-taking and its outcomes is critical for accurate assessment.
- Adolescent risk-taking is deeply intertwined with psychosocial factors and specific brain network activity.
Conclusions:
- A more refined conceptualization of risk-taking, distinct from impulsivity, is essential.
- Future research should employ brain imaging to elucidate the neural underpinnings of distinct risk-taking components.
- This approach will enhance understanding of adolescent development and reduce the risk of externalizing behavior problems.
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