Does Risk-taking Attract Romantic Attention among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Analysis

• In Event: Theoretical Developments in Learning and Subculture Theories

Abstract

Learning theories suggest that risk-taking behavior increases when it is socially rewarded. Evolutionary theory suggests reason to predict that risk-taking among adolescents may generate the social reward of romantic attention. The present paper therefore uses longitudinal data to examine whether risk-taking is associated with increases in romantic involvement, net of prior romantic involvement and a host of controls, among male and female adolescents. Results reveal that risk-taking may promote increases in romantic involvement for males, but not for females.

Authors

• Cesar Rebellon, University of New Hampshire

• Rick Trinkner, Arizona State University

• Karen T Van Gundy, University of New Hampshire

• Ellen S Cohn, University of New Hampshire