Influences on taking risks

For many years it was thought that adolescents underestimate risks with "it will never happen to me" behaviours. However, whilst adolescents are less likely than their parents to believe that poor health will result from experimenting with sex, drinking, drugs or smoking, there is considerable evidence that adolescents do feel vulnerable and in some cases they perceive more risk in certain situations than adults do. Also, teenagers are not as optimistic as their parents about avoiding injuries and illnesses.

Yet awareness of the risks involved does not stop many adolescents from participating in risky behaviours and experimentation. Evidence suggests that adolescents judge the benefits of participating in risky behaviours differently than adults do and experience greater emotional satisfaction in winning situations, or a greater high from engaging in risky behaviours that end successfully.

The benefit from these changes is that teens will be more likely to assume new challenges necessary for adulthood such as leaving home, starting a job and forming diverse relationships. In order to develop effective decision-making, in challenging situations, adolescents need opportunities to practice and discuss realistic options and strategies.