Adolescence - A Shift in Risk Perception

1
2023
Adolescence - A Shift in Risk Perception
PRASAD AMORE SOFTMIND INDIA, KOCHI
2
Adolescence marks a crucial juncture in a
person's growth and evolution, characterized by
brain and behavioural alterations of immense
proportions. The realm of risk-taking behaviour
attracts much attention due to the proclivity of
teenagers to engage in perilous activities, such
as drug use, reckless driving, and unprotected
sexual encounters. To fully comprehend the
complexities of adolescent risk-taking, we must
go to the influence of the brain, particularly
the prefrontal cortex, on impulse control and
risk-taking behaviour. It is also imperative to
grasp the modifications in risk perception that
occur during this developmental stage, and the
lasting impact of adolescent risk-taking. 1.
The role of prefrontal cortex in impulse control
and risk-taking The prefrontal cortex, a central
player in the brain, holds a dominant role in
controlling impulse and determining risk-taking
behaviour. Adolescence is a time of great
transformation in this area of the brain, with
maturation leading to advancements in cognitive
processes such as impulse control and
decision-making. Scientific evidence supports
the significance of the prefrontal cortex in
regulating emotions, inhibiting impulses, and
cautiously evaluating consequences before
acting. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain
region that regulates behaviour, is pivotal in
executive functions such as decision-making,
planning, attention, and working memory. During
adolescence, the PFC experiences extensive
growth, particularly in its lateral areas,
responsible for inhibitory control and
decision-making. This growth has a marked effect
on adolescent behaviour, including their impulse
control and risk- taking behaviour.
3
Studies indicate that the PFC is instrumental in
managing impulses and curbing risks. Impulse
control refers to the capacity to suppress
inappropriate behaviours, and the PFC modulates
the activity of brain regions that generate
impulses. A healthy PFC allows individuals to
prioritize long-term goals and resist immediate
gratification, while a malfunctioning PFC may
trigger impulsive actions, such as substance
abuse, gambling, and other dangerous
behaviours. 2. Developmental changes in risk
perception The stage of adolescence is an era of
paramount alterations in various facets of life,
inclusive of how individuals view risk. At this
stage, individuals commence comprehending the
concept of risk with more intricacy and improved
ability to evaluate and ponder over the
potential outcomes of their actions. This change
in risk perception is interlinked with brain
growth transformations that occur during
adolescence, particularly in the prefrontal
cortex. One striking feature of this alteration
is the growing distinction between short-term
and long-term risks. Teenagers are more prone to
partake in dangerous actions that offer
immediate benefits but may bring about
unfavourable consequences in the future. For
instance, they may undertake risks such as
substance abuse or unprotected sexual conduct,
which can lead to long-term health issues.
Contrarily, they are less likely to undertake
risks that promise a long-term benefit, such as
investing in tertiary education or starting a
business. This shift in risk perception is also
susceptible to social and cultural factors.
Adolescents are more likely to indulge in
dangerous actions when they believe others are
doing the same, and more likely to adopt a
cautious approach when they are surrounded by
adults or peers who emphasize the perils of
risk-taking. Furthermore, adolescents growing up
in surroundings that underscore the significance
of making secure and responsible decisions are
likely to cultivate a heightened sense of caution
and a more refined understanding of risk. In
essence, the changes in risk perception during
adolescence are a crucial part of brain
development during this stage. By comprehending
these changes, parents, educators, and
healthcare providers can support young people in
making informed decisions and overcome the
difficulties of this stage of life with greater
ease. As adolescence progresses, the perception
of risk undergoes a shift, resulting in an
inclination towards high-risk behaviours. The
neurological and emotional changes that occur
during this period make it a critical stage for
young people. They become more sensitive to
rewards and less attuned to punishment, leading
to an elevated understanding of the allure of
taking risks. Substance use, early sexual
activity, and
4
reckless driving are some of the dangerous
practices that adolescents tend to participate
in. Multiple theories exist that explain why
this transformation in risk perception takes
place. One proposition claims that alterations in
brain growth during adolescence concentrate more
on rewards, leading to a rise in risk-taking
behaviours. The prefrontal cortex, a key player
in impulse control and decision-making, continues
to develop, and adolescents may not have full
control over their actions, resulting in
impulsive decisions devoid of consideration for
consequences. Studies have demonstrated that
brain regions involved in processing rewards,
such as the ventral striatum, are particularly
active during this stage, and this could account
for the heightened perception of risk and the
spike in risky behaviours. Adolescents are more
susceptible to peer influence, and this may have
a critical impact on their decision-making. 3.
Long-term consequences of adolescent risk-taking
behaviour Adolescence is a period of exploration
and experimentation, but it is crucial to
understand the ramifications that high-risk
actions can have on one's life. Studies indicate
a correlation between adolescent risk-taking,
including substance abuse, unprotected sexual
encounters, and drunk driving, and the emergence
of physical and mental health issues, as well as
social and financial difficulties in adulthood.
Substance misuse, for instance, can result in
addiction, heightening the possibility of
developing chronic health problems like liver
disease, heart disease, and stroke. Adolescence
is a crucial stage in an individual's life and
the decisions made during this time can have
far-reaching impacts. Risk-taking behaviour
during adolescence, such as substance abuse,
unprotected sexual activity, and dangerous
driving, can result in a multitude of negative
consequences that can linger into adulthood.
Substance use, for instance, increases the
probability of addiction and the development of
long-term physical and mental health problems.
Moreover, individuals who engage in high-risk
behaviour during adolescence are more likely to
repeat such actions later in life, leading to a
host of difficulties like financial troubles,
legal issues, and strained personal
relationships. Moreover, adolescent risk-taking
can also have a substantial effect on future
career prospects, including difficulty finding
and maintaining employment and lower earnings
potential. It is crucial to understand the
long-term consequences of adolescent risk-taking
behaviour and take steps to prevent it. This can
include educating young people about the risks
involved, fostering decision-making skills, and
creating supportive environments that promote
healthy choices. Reckless actions during
adolescence, like substance use and dangerous
driving, can result in serious
5
outcomes, such as addiction, injury, or even
death. Furthermore, adolescent criminal
behaviour can have legal repercussions that can
affect an individual's access to important
resources like employment and housing. In
conclusion, the choices that adolescents make
during this crucial developmental stage can have
a lasting impact on their health, safety, and
well-being, emphasizing the importance of
addressing and preventing adolescent risk-taking
behaviour. CONCLUSION The biological and
developmental factors behind adolescent
risk-taking are crucial to understanding, as
they carry long-lasting consequences that can
affect health, finances, and relationships.
Adolescents are prone to taking risks due to the
development of the prefrontal cortex, which is
responsible for impulse control, and a tendency
to perceive risks as less severe than they
are. To counteract these consequences, it is
essential to raise awareness and provide
education about the neurobiological and
developmental factors involved in adolescent
risk-taking. This information can equip young
people with the knowledge and tools to make
informed decisions and minimize the negative
impacts of risk-taking behaviour.
Prasad Amore RCI Licensed Mental Health
Professional/Author of 8 books/Managing Director
at Softmind Wellness Pvt Ltd Kochi, Kerala