Factors influencing adolescents' decisions to engage in risk-taking behavior
Rolison, M.R.; Scherman, A.
Adolescence 37(147): 585-596
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-8449 PMID: 12458695 Document Number: 254683
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.