Risk-taking patterns of female adolescents: what they do and why
Shapiro, R.; Siegel, A.W.; Scovill, L.C.; Hays, J.
Journal of Adolescence 21(2): 143-159
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-1971 PMID: 9585493 DOI: 10.1006/jado.1997.0138Document Number: 533739
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."
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