Adolescence and Risk-taking Behaviours
Recently, the conviction of a female driver who was involved in the “basikal lajak” accident that claimed eight lives, has reignited a fierce debate on social media. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the risk-taking behaviours of adolescents.
It is not surprising that adolescents are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, despite knowing the risks and potential consequences of the behaviours. The propensity for risk-taking behaviour is likely to be influenced by several factors, such as parts of the brain that may increase adolescents’ tendencies toward risky behaviours, limited maturation in parts of the brain that control risky decisions and behaviours, etc.
Besides, research also showed that when adolescents engage in sensation-seeking behaviours, it releases dopamine, which encourages them to desire independence, novel experiences and engage in more adult-like activities associated with various risks. Dopamine levels tend to be at a baseline during an adolescent's daily life. However, one's dopamine levels begin to increase when they are exposed to situations that involve rules breaking. The reasons why teenagers feel "bored" in their daily lives, but experience excitement and a sense of heroism when they are involved in a new experience, have also been uncovered. Generally, these adolescents have poor self-control, strong curiosity and modelling ability, which lead them to seek excitement without considering the potential negative consequences.
Adolescent Moral Development
As adolescents develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially, their understanding of morality expands and their behaviour becomes more closely aligned with their values and beliefs. Thus, moral development describes the evolution of these guidelines and is demonstrated by the ability to apply these guidelines in everyday life. When children are younger, their family, culture, and religion greatly influence their moral decision-making. Teenagers who engage in 'basikal lajak' as leisure activities and continue to endanger the lives of other road users have a weaker sense of morality, which eventually leads to ignorance of their safety and the potential danger to others.
Risking life for fame
Studies have shown that low self-esteem in adolescents is associated with risky behaviors, while high self-esteem can prevent risky activities. If children lack self-esteem or are unable to gain any sense of accomplishment in their daily lives, the ability to master the excitement of "basikal lajak" will be a medium to demonstrate their abilities and help them fill the emptiness within themselves. However, this emptiness will lead them to turn a blind eye to the dangers of their actions and have the thoughts of "I want to win. I want to be the first. I want to be the centre of attention. I want to be famous." Based on William James Formula, one’s self-esteem is dictated by how we are doing in life (success) divided by how good we feel about ourselves (pretensions). High self-esteem is the result of having more success than pretensions. In other words, self-esteem is built through hard work and hands-on experience.
Building a strong sense of self through positive adventures
Accepting who you are can be an important factor in building a strong sense of self. Knowing that there are no perfect people and that everyone makes mistakes can also enhance your sense of self.
Below are some tips you can consider in strengthening your sense of self.
Source:
玩命蚊型脚车. (2022), (24), 24-25. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
Recently, the conviction of a female driver who was involved in the “basikal lajak” accident that claimed eight lives, has reignited a fierce debate on social media. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the risk-taking behaviours of adolescents.
It is not surprising that adolescents are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, despite knowing the risks and potential consequences of the behaviours. The propensity for risk-taking behaviour is likely to be influenced by several factors, such as parts of the brain that may increase adolescents’ tendencies toward risky behaviours, limited maturation in parts of the brain that control risky decisions and behaviours, etc.
Besides, research also showed that when adolescents engage in sensation-seeking behaviours, it releases dopamine, which encourages them to desire independence, novel experiences and engage in more adult-like activities associated with various risks. Dopamine levels tend to be at a baseline during an adolescent's daily life. However, one's dopamine levels begin to increase when they are exposed to situations that involve rules breaking. The reasons why teenagers feel "bored" in their daily lives, but experience excitement and a sense of heroism when they are involved in a new experience, have also been uncovered. Generally, these adolescents have poor self-control, strong curiosity and modelling ability, which lead them to seek excitement without considering the potential negative consequences.
Adolescent Moral Development
As adolescents develop cognitively, emotionally, and socially, their understanding of morality expands and their behaviour becomes more closely aligned with their values and beliefs. Thus, moral development describes the evolution of these guidelines and is demonstrated by the ability to apply these guidelines in everyday life. When children are younger, their family, culture, and religion greatly influence their moral decision-making. Teenagers who engage in 'basikal lajak' as leisure activities and continue to endanger the lives of other road users have a weaker sense of morality, which eventually leads to ignorance of their safety and the potential danger to others.
Risking life for fame
Studies have shown that low self-esteem in adolescents is associated with risky behaviors, while high self-esteem can prevent risky activities. If children lack self-esteem or are unable to gain any sense of accomplishment in their daily lives, the ability to master the excitement of "basikal lajak" will be a medium to demonstrate their abilities and help them fill the emptiness within themselves. However, this emptiness will lead them to turn a blind eye to the dangers of their actions and have the thoughts of "I want to win. I want to be the first. I want to be the centre of attention. I want to be famous." Based on William James Formula, one’s self-esteem is dictated by how we are doing in life (success) divided by how good we feel about ourselves (pretensions). High self-esteem is the result of having more success than pretensions. In other words, self-esteem is built through hard work and hands-on experience.
Building a strong sense of self through positive adventures
Accepting who you are can be an important factor in building a strong sense of self. Knowing that there are no perfect people and that everyone makes mistakes can also enhance your sense of self.
Below are some tips you can consider in strengthening your sense of self.
- Get involved in healthy hobbies; practice your skills on your journey to total mastery.
- Practice self-acceptance by embracing every aspect of yourself,such as strengths and weaknesses
- During your childhood, have you been influenced by certain beliefs, emotions or behaviours from your parents that might contribute to your current psychological status and self-control ability that lead to your risky decision-making?
- Are you frequently exposed to rules breaking, such as running a red light or parking the car illegally, and considered it as a norm at a young age?
- Would you consider healthy options for risk-taking that offer the thrill you desire with minimal negative consequences, such as rock climbing, forest adventure, sports, etc.? Healthy exploration gives us the chance to experience risk in a positive and supportive setting. This can lead to positive outcomes, such as understanding and managing risks effectively, enhancing safety awareness and prevention, putting a stop to these negative leisure activities, etc.
Source:
玩命蚊型脚车. (2022), (24), 24-25. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
