Question

The reckless risk taking found among many adolescents is most likely due to the effects of _______. A)their sense of autonomy B)the personal fable C)the period of rebellion common to all adolescents their developing sense of conscience

Answer 1

Adolescent risk-taking is influenced by their developing personal identity, the drive for autonomy, peer influence, and a potential evolutionary benefit for risk-taking behavior during the transition to adulthood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reckless risk-taking found among many adolescents is most likely due to a combination of factors including the development of their personal identity, seeking autonomy, peer influences, and emotional changes.

While adolescents develop the cognitive abilities to evaluate risks and rewards similarly to adults, their decision-making is often influenced by different values and a desire to conform to peer groups.

Additionally, there is an argument that there might be an evolutionary benefit to an increased propensity for risk-taking during adolescence, as it could motivate young people to leave their family of origin and start families of their own.

Answer 2

Adolescent risk-taking can be influenced by the development of their identity, moral values, and desire for peer acceptance. Adolescents have the ability to evaluate risks and rewards, but the way they value outcomes may differ from adults. Some studies suggest evolutionary benefits to risk-taking behaviors in this age group.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phenomenon of reckless risk-taking among many adolescents can be attributed to several factors. During this period in their development, adolescents are actively forming their own identities, questioning "Who am I?" and "Who do I want to be?" as posited by Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This search for self may include experimenting with behaviors that carry varying degrees of risk. Option C is correct.

Risk-taking in adolescents can be influenced by an emerging system of moral and ethical values, the desire for autonomy, and the increased valuation of peer acceptance over parental guidance. Additionally, contrary to the belief that adolescents are inherently more impulsive, research has shown that while their ability to evaluate risks and rewards is comparable to that of adults, their choices might be swayed by different motivations or values, such as seeking approval from their peer group.

Scientific studies have also introduced the idea that there could be an evolutionary benefit to increased risk-taking during adolescence. This predisposition toward taking risks may play a role in motivating young people to leave their natal family and make important life transitions, such as starting a family of their own. Thus, while adolescents can think about risks and rewards like adults, their behavior is often a result of processing these considerations through the lens of their developmental stage and social influences.