NCJ Number
217796
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 17-31
Date Published
February 2007
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the associations of social and affective factors with risk-taking behavior in male and female adolescents.
Abstract
In the area of social factors, one of the strongest effects on risk-taking in this study was found to be the orientation towards the peer group. Parental influence and orientation towards the peer group correlated with risk-taking in a reverse pattern: good relationships with parents were related to low involvement in risk-taking behavior among adolescents, while stronger relationships with peers were related to high involvement in risk-taking. The affective factors of depression showed weaker associations with the adolescents’ risk-taking behavior, as compared with the above social factors. Future research in the sampling of adolescents in varied socioeconomic levels and sectors may be beneficial in providing a more comprehensive perspective for examining the impact of social and affective factors on risk-taking behavior among adolescents. The period of adolescence between the ages of 11 and 21 is characterized by an increase in risk-taking behaviors, such as those linked to careless driving, substance use, unprotected sexual behavior, eating disorders, delinquency, homicidal and suicidal behaviors, and dangerous sports. This research investigated the association between involvement in risk-taking behavior by adolescents, and social and affective factors. Tables, figures, and references