Adolescence and risk-taking: Reflection of irrationality or rationality?

• Main Authors: Videnović Marina, Baucal Aleksandar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology 2011-01-01
• Series: Psihološka Istraživanja
• Subjects: risk-taking; adolescence; cognitive development
• Online Access: http://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0352-7379/2011/0352-73791101025V.pdf

The frequency of risk-taking behaviours increases during adolescent years. At the same time, cognitive development proceeds from lesser to greater sophistication. We will try to explain the risk-taking paradox: on the one hand, cognitive skills are more mature in adolescence, while, on the other, maladaptive behaviour is present. The main aim of this study is to make a connection between cognitive development and risk-taking. This is slightly unusual, since it is more frequent to look for interactions between emotional and social factors and risk-taking. First, we define what kind of behaviour risk-taking is. There are a few dimensions that could be used for managing through a diversity of definitions. In addition, we examine how important the issue of risky behaviour is in the theories of adolescent's development. Finally, we make a connection between Piaget's, Vygotsky's and Information-Processing models of changes during adolescence and theories and studies about risk-taking in this period of life. Several researchers have tried to make this kind of connection. We propose some additional ways in which predictions from theories of cognitive development could be used for explaining risk-taking behaviour. .