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Adolescent risk-taking: an analysis of problem behaviors in problem children
B Lavery1, A W Siegel, J H Cousins
1Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Texas 77204-5341.
Journal of Experimental Child Psychology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Adolescent risk-taking is complex, influenced by personality and decision-making, not just egocentrism. Understanding these factors is key to addressing adolescent problem behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent risk-taking is a significant concern.
- Existing theories include problem-behavior, normal/adaptive risk-taking, egocentrism, and decision-making perspectives.
- Understanding the multifaceted nature of adolescent risk-taking is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore adolescent risk-taking from multiple theoretical viewpoints.
- To investigate the relationship between personality, cognitive perceptions, and risk involvement.
- To determine the role of adolescent egocentrism in risk-taking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Adolescents (N=80, ages 11-17) from mental health clinics completed questionnaires on risk involvement, perception, personality (Jesness Personality Inventory), and egocentrism.
- Concurrent validity was assessed using therapist diagnoses.
- Statistical analyses examined correlations between variables.
Main Results:
- Risk and Benefit Perceptions were significantly correlated with Involvement, supporting a decision-making perspective.
- Social maladjustment personality traits and Conduct Disorder diagnosis positively correlated with Involvement, supporting a problem-behavior perspective.
- Adolescent egocentrism measures did not significantly relate to risk involvement or perceptions.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent risk-taking is a multidimensional phenomenon.
- It involves both personality correlates and cognitive decision-making aspects.
- Egocentrism does not appear to be a primary driver of adolescent risk-taking in this sample.