With a focus on adolescents, this volume explores such questions as: whether similarities exist between different types of risk taking, such as mountain climbing and criminal behaviour; whether an examination of risk-taking behaviour will shed light on problem behaviours such as unprotected sex; and whether there are positive aspects to adolescent risk taking. With contributions from psychology, sociology, medicine and public policy, the volume uses risk taking as a framework to study many dangerous, and often life-threatening, adolescent behaviours. Following a review of research, topics discussed include theories of risky choice, the use of rational choice theory in predicting heightened risk taking, sociobiological factors and intervention programmes.

Introduction Adolescence and Risk Taking - Charles E Irwin Jr

How Are They Related? Reasons and Resources - Lola L Lopes

The Human Side of Risk Taking Perceptual, Attributional, and Affective Processes in Perceptions of Vulnerability Through the Life-Span - Susan G Millstein A Life-Span Rational-Choice Theory of Risk Taking - William Gardner Lethal Confrontational Violence Among Young Men - Margo Wilson and Martin Daly Dysfunctional Risk Taking - Stephen Lyng

Criminal Behavior as Edgework Common Components of Successful Interventions with High-Risk Youth - Joy G Dryfoos Deterring Risky Behavior - Brian L Wilcox

Policy Perspectives on Adolescent Risk Taking Applying a Risk-Taking Perspective - Edward R Anderson et al