Confirmation of a Reconceptualized Definition and Measure of Adolescent Risk Behavior: Adolescent Viewpoints

Abstract

The goal of this project was to substantiate a more positive conceptualization of adolescent risk behavior and to compare adolescent viewpoints of risk behavior to the items on the Prosocial and Health Adolescent Risk Behavior Scale (PHARBS). A total of 57 high school students participated in the research. Researchers recruited students from an Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology course at a large Midwestern high school. The high school serves approximately 1,750 students in grades 9 through 12. The university Institutional Review Board approved the study procedures. Families provided informed consent, and students assented to participating in one of eight focus group discussions. The focus groups were audio taped, transcribed, and coded. Researchers analyzed the coded data using word count analysis. Students discussed prosocial risk behaviors in addition to health risk behaviors, providing support for the PHARBS and suggesting that adolescents view taking some risks as positive. A more positive conceptualization of risk behavior may better align with how adolescents view risk behavior. Researchers and clinicians might approach adolescent risk behavior measurement and research on the importance of understanding risk behaviors as a normal and potentially positive aspect of adolescent development.

Adolescents’ own views on their risk behaviors, and the potential effects of being labeled as risk-takers: A commentary and review

“…However, adolescents may not view risk behavior from the same perspective as adults (Defoe and Romer, 2022). Namely, as noted above, Skaar (2021) found that educational risk behaviors (e.g., taking challenging classes) were the most mentioned by youth as risk behaviors, followed by "drug and alcohol use" and "trying something new. " Related to this, Duell and Steinberg, (2021) recently presented an approach that focuses on adaptive forms of risk taking, such as developing a new skill, that need to be encouraged despite the prospect of challenges that such learning may require.…”

“…In a unique recent qualitative study (N = 57; 77% female; >90% European American), adolescents were asked the following question "What behaviors come to mind when I say "risk behavior?" (Skaar, 2021).…”

“…That is, which behaviors do adolescents define as risky, and which motivations do adolescents report for engaging in those behaviors? In a unique recent qualitative study ( N = 57; 77% female; >90% European American), adolescents were asked the following question “What behaviors come to mind when I say “risk behavior?” ( Skaar, 2021 ). The findings revealed that educational risk behaviors (e.g., taking challenging classes) were the most mentioned by youth as risk behaviors, followed by drug and alcohol use and “trying something new.” Behaviors that were mentioned less often were “standing up to bullying,” “out of comfort zone” and “alcohol use” ( Skaar, 2021 ).…”

“…In a unique recent qualitative study ( N = 57; 77% female; >90% European American), adolescents were asked the following question “What behaviors come to mind when I say “risk behavior?” ( Skaar, 2021 ). The findings revealed that educational risk behaviors (e.g., taking challenging classes) were the most mentioned by youth as risk behaviors, followed by drug and alcohol use and “trying something new.” Behaviors that were mentioned less often were “standing up to bullying,” “out of comfort zone” and “alcohol use” ( Skaar, 2021 ). Although the fact that educational risk behaviors being the most mentioned, was perhaps an artifact of the convenience sample that was used (i.e., students who were enrolled in an Advanced Placement Psychology course; cf Skaar, 2021 ), it is still telling that this rarely studied “risk” was mentioned by far the most by youth, whereas alcohol and drug use were the second and third runner up ( Skaar, 2021 ).…”

“…The findings revealed that educational risk behaviors (e.g., taking challenging classes) were the most mentioned by youth as risk behaviors, followed by drug and alcohol use and “trying something new.” Behaviors that were mentioned less often were “standing up to bullying,” “out of comfort zone” and “alcohol use” ( Skaar, 2021 ). Although the fact that educational risk behaviors being the most mentioned, was perhaps an artifact of the convenience sample that was used (i.e., students who were enrolled in an Advanced Placement Psychology course; cf Skaar, 2021 ), it is still telling that this rarely studied “risk” was mentioned by far the most by youth, whereas alcohol and drug use were the second and third runner up ( Skaar, 2021 ). When it comes to cross-national differences, such studies are rare, but it has been reported that youth in Turkey report substantially different risk behaviors, such as wearing revealing clothes, engaging in political activism, and losing one’s virginity, compared to youth in countries such as the United States ( Kloep et al, 2009 ).…”