3-138 - Beyond Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll: The Adaptive Functions of Adolescent Risk-Taking

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by neurobiological changes that result in increased engagement in risky behaviors (Steinberg, 2008). Adolescent risk-taking has been traditionally viewed as a public health concern and is linked to illegal and harmful activities. However, heightened risk-taking during adolescence is also a component of normative, healthy development and may serve adaptive functions such as promoting autonomy and exploration (Strang et al., 2013). Nonetheless, little research has examined the ways in which adolescent risk-taking may be connected with positive social behaviors. Understanding these adaptive functions can inform efforts to identify constructive and viable outlets to channel adolescent risk taking and ultimately support positive youth development. This symposium presents novel research concerning the conceptualization, measurement, and benefits of positive risk-taking among youth. In the first talk, Presenter 1 defines and conceptualizes positive risk-taking and presents research validating a novel self-report measure of positive adolescent risk-taking using multi-method, multi-informant data. In the second talk, Presenter 2 uses a behavioral paradigm across two studies to demonstrate that young adults are more inclined to take risks that could benefit their parents. Lastly, Presenter 3 uses data from multiple large nationally-representative samples to demonstrate connections between adolescent risk preference and greater political engagement. Together, these talks highlight that risk-taking is a fundamental part of adolescent development that has negative but also positive consequences. The symposium will conclude with a summary of our findings and recommendation for future research provided by our discussant, a leader in the field of adolescent brain development.

Sub Unit

• Health, Growth, Injury

Chair

• Benjamin Oosterhoff, Montana State University

Discussant

• Adriana Galván, University of California, Los Angeles

Individual Presentations

• Teens Take Good Risks, Too: An Exploratory Study of Positive Risk Taking in Adolescence - Presenting Author: Natasha Duell, UNC Chapel Hill; Non-Presenting Author: Jason Chein, Temple University; Non-Presenting Author: Thomas M Olino, Temple University, Department of Psychology; Non-Presenting Author: Laurence D. Steinberg, Temple University

• Taking Risks on Behalf of Parents and Friends in Young Adulthood - Presenting Author: Jennifer Silvers, UCLA; Non-Presenting Author: Joao Guassi Moreira, University of California, Los Angeles

• Risky Politics? Associations between Adolescent Risk Preference and Political Engagement - Presenting Author: Benjamin Oosterhoff, Montana State University; Non-Presenting Author: Laura Wray-Lake, University of California, Los Angeles