Factors influencing adolescents' decisions to engage in risk-taking behavior.

Full Abstract

Few studies have assessed adolescent risk-taking from a decision-making perspective while also looking at sensation-seeking and locus of control. In this study, 171 older adolescents completed a risk-taking inventory to measure risk involvement. Sensation-seeking and locus of control, as well as perceived benefits and costs, were assessed to determine their effects on risk-taking. Results showed that perceived risks affected risk-taking more significantly than did perceived benefits. Higher sensation-seeking tendencies were affiliated with more risk-taking. Locus of control was not related to risk-taking.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Rolison, Mary R (MR); Scherman, Avraham (A);

Affiliation: Counseling Psychology Program, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet Oval, Room 306, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Adolescence (Adolescence), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 37 (issue 147) : pp 585-96

Dates: Created 2002/12/02; Completed 2003/03/21; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12458695, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.