Risk-taking behaviour in adolescents

Abstract

Background Adolescence is characterised by rapid changes in physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, and by experimentation and risk-taking, extending from the age of approximately 10 years into the early adult years. Developmental milestones achieved include a sense of identity, autonomy, a value system, peer relationships and financial independence. However, for around one in four adolescents, risktaking and mental health issues threaten healthy biopsychosocial development. Such risks are rarely detected in clinical practice without deliberate assessment within a youth-friendly framework. Objectives The aim of this paper is to provide an update on risk-taking behaviours in ad..