Adolescent risk-taking: an analysis of problem behaviors in problem children

In this study adolescent risk-taking is explored from several theoretical positions: Jessor's problem-behavior perspective, risk-taking as normal and adaptive, adolescent egocentrism, and a decision-making perspective. Adolescents (ages 11-17) referred to mental health clinics (N = 80) completed a risk involvement and perception questionnaire, the Jesness Personality Inventory, and a measure of adolescent egocentrism. For purposes of concurrent validity, a diagnosis was completed by the subject's clinic therapist. As predicted, both Benefit and Risk Perception were significantly correlated with Involvement (in opposite directions), supportive of a decision-making perspective. A configuration of social maladjustment personality correlates in conjunction with a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder showed a strong, positive correlation with Involvement, supporting a problem-behavior perspective. Egocentrism measures were not significantly related to Risk Involvement or Risk and Benefit Perceptions. Adolescent risk-taking is argued to be a multidimensional phenomenon involving personality correlates and cognitive aspects of decision-making.