Adolescents Engaging in Risk-Taking Behaviors

Abstract

Heightened risk taking in adolescence has long been attributed to valuation systems overwhelming the deployment of cognitive control. However, this explanation of why adolescents engage in risk taking is insufficient given increasing evidence that risk-taking behavior can be strategic and involve elevated cognitive control. We argue that applying the expected-value-of-control computational model to adolescent risk taking can clarify under what conditions control is elevated or diminished during risky decision-making. Through this lens, we review research examining when adolescent risk taking might be due to—rather than a failure of—effective cognitive control and suggest compelling ways to test such hypotheses. This effort can resolve when risk taking arises from an immaturity of the control system itself, as opposed to arising from differences in what adolescents value relative to adults. It can also identify promising avenues for channeling cognitive control toward adaptive outcomes in adolescence. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721419887361

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Consider what actions might prompt the following exchange between a parent and his or her adolescent child:

Parent: “What were you thinking?”

Child: “I wasn’t.”

Parent: “What if you got caught? What if you hurt yourself or someone else?”

Child: “It’s not a big deal. All of my other friends were there, too.”

The adolescent age is marked by impulsive decisions and risk-taking behaviors. However, despite the frustrations of parents and caregivers, there are logical explanations for teens’ sometimes seemingly senseless choices. Scientists have found that the prefrontal cortex, the lobe that controls problem solving, goal planning, behavior adjustment, impulse control, foresight, and various other functions, is still very much under development during the adolescent years. This means that the brain is not fully prepared to deal with complex decisions, peer pressure, or situations of immediate versus delayed gratification. As a result, adolescents lack the capability to weigh the benefits versus the risks of a given choice as an adult might.

As a counselor, it is likely you will work with adolescents who engage in harmful risk-taking behaviors. You must be able set aside your own beliefs about “acceptable” behaviors to better support and counsel these adolescents. For example, what might you say to an adolescent who has been court-ordered to see you after multiple underage drinking charges? What about the adolescent who participates in unhealthy eating practices to achieve a desired body image? The one who is sexually active? The daredevil?

For this Discussion, review the media, “Adolescence.” Identify the adolescent (aged 11–18) in your assigned family. Consider how risk-taking behaviors are impacting the adolescent and his or her family.

Post by Day 3 the identity of your adolescent client. Summarize the developmental crises he or she is facing. Then, explain at least two risk-taking behaviors in which the adolescent is involved and at least one protective factor that might be influencing his or her level of functioning. Finally, explain the impact of these behaviors on the adolescent and his or her family. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.

Readings

· Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

o Chapter 9, “Physical, Cognitive, and Identity Development in Adolescence” (review pp. 324-367)

o Chapter 10, “The Social World of Adolescence” (pp. 368-407)

· Bessant, J. (2008). Hard wired for risk: Neurological science, ‘the adolescent brain’ and developmental theory. Journal of Youth Studies, 11(3), 347–360.
Retrieved from the Walden Library database

Adolescents Engaging in Risk-Taking Behaviors