The RT-18: a new screening tool to assess young adult risk-taking behavior

Abstract

Risk-taking behavior is a major determinant of health and plays a central role in various diseases. Therefore, a brief questionnaire was developed to assess risk taking among young adults with known different levels of risk-taking behavior (social drinkers and recreational drug users). In Study 1, N = 522 university students completed the RT-18 risk taking questionnaire. N = 100 students were retested after 2 to 4 weeks and performed the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT). Mean RT-18 score was 7.69 and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.886. The test-retest reliability was r = 0.94. Significant correlation was found between the RT-18 score and CGT scores of risk taking, bet proportion, and risk adjustment. In Study 2, N = 7834 young adult social drinkers, and recreational drug users, mean RT-18 score was 9.34 and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.80. Factor analysis showed that the RT-18 comprises two factors assessing level of risk-taking behavior and risk assessment. Men scored significantly higher than women on the RT-18. Recreational drug users had significantly higher scores when compared to social drinkers. In Study 3 of N = 1000 students, construct validity was confirmed by showing that the RT-18 outcome correlates significantly with scores on the Stimulating-Instrumental Risk Inventory. In conclusion, the RT-18 is a valid and reliable screening tool to differentiate levels of risk-taking behavior. This short scale is quick and practical to administer, imposing minimal demands on participants. The RT-18 is able to differentiate risk taking and risk assessment which can help target appropriate intervention strategies.

Effects of consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks versus consuming alcohol only on overall alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences

“…Increased levels of risk-taking behavior may be reflected by a generally disinhibited behavioral pattern for an individual. The findings of the current study and others11,12,26 confirm that individuals who consume more alcohol also use more drugs 27. Taken together the focus of research should not be on AMED consumption but on persons who are involved in heavy alcohol consumption per se.…”

Depressive and socially anxious symptoms, psychosocial maturity, and risk perception: Associations with risk-taking behaviour

“…The RT-18 [ 72 ] is an 18-item binary response questionnaire. It is designed for use in adolescents and young adults, and provides characteristic statements (eg.…”

Effects of Consuming a Low Dose of Alcohol with Mixers Containing Carbohydrate or Artificial Sweetener on Simulated Driving Performance

“…The remaining 32 participants (16 males; age: 22.9 ± 5.8 years; weight: 71.2 ± 11.3 kg; body mass index (BMI): 23.8 ± 3.0 kg·m −2 ) had consumed alcohol regularly for 4.7 ± 5.5 years and typically spent 1.1 ± 0.7 h·day −1 driving. Participants were categorized as low ( n = 14), medium ( n = 15) and high ( n = 3) risk takers, in accordance with the RT-18 screening tool [ 23 ]. The mean risk taking factor was 7.4 ± 3.9 (medium risk-taking tendency) [ 23 ].…”

“…Participants were categorized as low ( n = 14), medium ( n = 15) and high ( n = 3) risk takers, in accordance with the RT-18 screening tool [ 23 ]. The mean risk taking factor was 7.4 ± 3.9 (medium risk-taking tendency) [ 23 ]. This investigation was approved by the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (GU Ref No.…”

“…The Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (SMAST) was used to identify disordered alcohol use; individuals scoring ≥5 on the SMAST were ineligible to participate [ 24 ]. Risk-taking tendencies were evaluated via the RT-18 screening tool [ 23 ]. BMI was imputed from height and weight measurements taken using digital scales (SECA 804 digital scales, ECOMED Trading Pty Ltd., Seven Hills, NSW, Australia) and a stadiometer.…”