SOCIAL INFLUENCES: Risk-taking behaviour

Question 1

Define: risk-taking behaviour

Answer 1

behaviour that has potential negative consequences and can harm the individual’s psychological wellbeing and/or physical health, but may also have positive impacts

Question 2

What level of harm can occur?

Answer 2

From embarrassment/minor injury to long term trauma/death

Question 3

What are the four types of risk taking behaviour?

Answer 3

Thrill seeking behaviour
Reckless behaviour
Rebellious behaviour
Anti-social behaviour

Question 4

Describe reckless behaviours

Answer 4

often thrill seeking behaviours but higher chance of not being accepted by adults and may have negative social or health outcomes (drink driving, speeding…)

Question 5

Describe thrill seeking behaviour

Answer 5

behaviours which are challenging but socially acceptable (adventure sports)

Question 6

Describe rebellious behaviour

Answer 6

Experimenting with behaviours usually acceptable for adults but not adolescents (smoking, staying out late)

Question 7

Describe anti-social behaviour

Answer 7

Behaviour which is considered unacceptable for both adults and adolescents (cheating, bullying)

Question 8

Differences in gender?

Answer 8

Girls less likely to engage and more likely to identify risky behaviour than males

Question 9

Factors contributing to doing and judgment of risk-taking behaviour>

Answer 9

• age, gender, family/cultural background
• maturity
• personality type
• ability to judge risk