Studies point towards neurological factors as the cause of increased risk-taking behavior in adolescence
Adolescence is a time marked by a plethora of changes – physical, cognitive, emotional and social. Teenagers frequently find themselves driven to risk-taking activities during these shifts, such as experimenting with substances and risky sexual behavior. In fact, studies show that adolescents are more inclined than adults to explore scenarios where a reward in any form may be possible, even if the outcome is uncertain and ambiguous. Teenagers' propensity for risk-taking is not only a result of their impulsive tendencies and urges to rebel against parental authorities. Rather, it is caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological and social variables that encourage them to seek out these new and thrilling experiences.
This induced risk-taking behavior could be attributed to our natural inclination to understand the world as humans. Assistant Professor in comparative medicine and neurobiology at Yale Ifat Levy says, “Young organisms need to be open to the unknown in order to gain information about their world.” In theory, this would also encompass children, who as studies have shown indulge in far less risk-taking behavior when compared to their adolescent counterparts. Therefore, this theory doesn’t provide the best explanation for teenagers’ risk-taking behavior.
Another explanation is the neurological changes that accompany teenagers. When one grows up and reaches their teenage years, their brains start to produce more dopamine than before. This level of production decreases once again as they reach adulthood. Dopamine, known as the “feel good” hormone in our brains, is part of our reward system, which releases dopamine that human brains naturally desire. When a risk is taken, introducing the possibility of an unexpected reward, extra dopamine is released.
Due to the increased levels of dopamine in teenagers’ brains, adolescents are more perceptive to the benefits and positive emotions and often have a reward system that involves more risk and exploration than that of children or adults.