Risk-Taking Peaks In Adolescence, Male Study

A few researchers have come up with another discovery as to why adolescence seem to be willing to take more risks than the other age groups. In an investigation in the UK at the University College London, it was studied that teenage boys are most likely to take the risk because they find it thrilling. Lead author Dr. Stephanie Burnett stated that this seems like a "..one step forward in determining why teenagers engage in extremely risky behaviors such as drug use and unsafe sex." Her statement seems very true in the facts that younger aged adults make unweighted decisions off of run-in-the-moment instances. In this study, 86 boys and men with ages ranging from 9 to 35 played a computer game based on gambling and had to make decisions which were rewarded with points if the decision was a winner. It was also asked after if the decision was satisfying or dissatisfying. Emotional ratings did not differ with age. The main sign was that between childhood and adolescence showed a difference in relief and regret emotions. A u-shaped pattern that peaked at 14.4 years of age showed the pattern for risk seeking. It was also shown that teenagers had an increase enjoyment in a lucky escape. Development of this study is to be continued, and Dr. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore stated " Understanding why adolescents take such risks is important for public health interventions and for families".

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184020.php