Citation

Shapiro R, Siegel AW, Scovill LC, Hays J. J. Adolesc. 1998; 21(2): 143-159.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Houston, TX 77204-5341, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1006/jado.1997.0138

PMID

9585493

Abstract

A total of 58 college-age adolescent females were asked to provide information about their risk-taking behaviors. Participants completed a risk-taking questionnaire and were asked to keep a diary of their risk-taking behaviors for 1 week. Participants were also asked to provide reasons for engaging in each behavior they listed. Results indicated that participants engaged in a variety of risky behaviors ranging from traditional adolescent risk-taking behaviors, e.g. drinking and sex, to other behaviors not typically included in studies of risk-taking, e.g. interpersonal and financial risky behaviors. An analysis of the justifications given for engaging in the various behaviors were largely goal-oriented (e.g. engaging in a behavior as a means to an end) or reflected a preoccupation with personal needs (e.g. engaging in a behavior to relieve loneliness or stress). These results are contrary to the widely held belief that adolescents' risk-taking is "mindless," "aimless," or mere "sensation seeking."

Language: en