Evaluation of behavioral measures of risk taking propensity with inner city adolescents

Behav Res Ther. 2005 Feb;43(2):215-28. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2003.12.007.

Abstract

The current study examined the utility of behavioral measures of risk-taking propensity in the assessment of self-reported real-world risk-taking behaviors using a sample of 51 high-school-aged inner-city adolescents. Results indicated that performance on one behavioral measure, the balloon analogue risk task, accounted for unique variance in self-reported delinquency/safety risk behaviors as well as substance use risk behaviors, above and beyond that provided with demographics and self-report measures of risk-related constructs (i.e., impulsivity and sensation seeking). These results are discussed in relation to the potential utility of using a multimethod assessment approach for better understanding risk-taking vulnerability among adolescents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Psychological Tests
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self-Assessment
  • Urban Population