Variables affecting emerging adults’ self-reported risk and reckless behaviors

Abstract

Young adults' behaviors are frequently characterized by risk-taking and recklessness. Few studies have examined the correlates of risk and reckless behaviors in emerging adults. Drawing on theories emphasising multifactorial effects of personality, social, and cognitive variables, this study explores psychosocial factors contributing to risk and three types of reckless behaviors in a sample of 18-29 (N=607) year olds. Predictors were sensation seeking, anti-social peer influence, and present and future time perspectives. Sensation seeking predicted self-reported risk behaviors and reckless sexual behaviors, while peer influence predicted self-reported reckless substance use and reckless sexual behaviors. Present time perspective predicted reckless substance use, while future time perspective predicted reckless sexual behaviors. Several relationships were moderated by sex or age. The study extends understanding of risk-taking and recklessness beyond the adolescent years, identifying future research and intervention opportunities.