Alongside this limbic system/prefrontal cortex model of risk-taking, there are other theories investigating the link between dopamine activity in adolescents and risk-taking. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter, released by the ventral tegmental area, affecting brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex, all involved in reward processing (Siddiqui et al., 2008).
Research suggests that there is increased activity of neural pathways that use dopamine during adolescence. Some studies propose that there are actually lower baseline levels of dopamine in the brain, but there is a bigger release of dopamine in response to a rewarding/exciting situation. This explains why adolescents’ moods can shift so significantly between ‘boring’ and ‘exhilarating’ activities (Siegel, 2013). Steinberg (2008) presents his theory, stating that changes in dopaminergic activity, during puberty, lead to increased sensation seeking. …show more content…
During early adolescence, there is a decrease in dopamine receptor density, both in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (Doremus-Fitzwater, Varlinskaya & Spear, 2010). It is believed that due to this decrease in dopamine, adolescents engage in novelty and sensation seeking activities, through natural or drug rewards, to increase dopamine availability (Steinberg, 2008).
There are however other physiological changes within reward processing regions which undergo change during adolescence and may also be influencing risk-taking (Doremus-Fitzwater, Varlinskaya & Spear, 2010).
Many believe that adolescents may be increased risk-takers because they do not recognise the risks involved. Interestingly, studies have shown that both adults and adolescents have similar evaluations and perceptions of risky behaviours and adolescents are just as aware of negative outcomes as adults are (Steinberg, 2008). However, even though adolescents are aware of negative outcomes, they place greater emphasis on the positive consequences of a situation, overriding potential negative consequences (Siegel, 2013). According to Siegel (2013), increased activation of the reward system in the adolescent brain also leads to hyperrationality, in which adolescents place more emphasis on the possible positive outcome, even though they are aware of the risks involved. This changes as adolescents continue to develop, and begin taking into consideration the larger context of the decision. It is important to note however, that although adolescents are collectively referred to as increased risk-takers, there are some adolescents more prone to risk-taking than others. It is therefore important to consider individual and developmental differences in reward processing and risk-taking behaviours (Casey, Getz & Galvan, 2008). Social context also heavily influences adolescent risk taking, which may explain why adolescents are more likely to make risky decisions in groups. Gardner and Steinberg (2004) conducted a study comparing peer influence on risk taking in 306 individuals in 3 different age groups: adolescents (13-16), youths (18-22) and adults (24 and older). …show more content…
The study used a driving simulation game, and participants completed the activity alone or with peers. Results showed that risky decision-making decreased with age and participants took more risks when with peers (rather than alone). However, the adolescents were most strongly influenced by their peers to take risks, taking almost three times the number of risks in the presence of their peers compared to risks taken when they were alone. A limitation of this study however was that the youths and adults completed the task with friends. The adolescents however were grouped with ‘familiar acquaintances’ from a range of contexts. Gardner and Steiner however believe that this had a minimal effect on results of the study.
Research suggests that there is increased activity of neural pathways that use dopamine during adolescence. Some studies propose that there are actually lower baseline levels of dopamine in the brain, but there is a bigger release of dopamine in response to a rewarding/exciting situation. This explains why adolescents’ moods can shift so significantly between ‘boring’ and ‘exhilarating’ activities (Siegel, 2013). Steinberg (2008) presents his theory, stating that changes in dopaminergic activity, during puberty, lead to increased sensation seeking. …show more content…
During early adolescence, there is a decrease in dopamine receptor density, both in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (Doremus-Fitzwater, Varlinskaya & Spear, 2010). It is believed that due to this decrease in dopamine, adolescents engage in novelty and sensation seeking activities, through natural or drug rewards, to increase dopamine availability (Steinberg, 2008).
There are however other physiological changes within reward processing regions which undergo change during adolescence and may also be influencing risk-taking (Doremus-Fitzwater, Varlinskaya & Spear, 2010).
Many believe that adolescents may be increased risk-takers because they do not recognise the risks involved. Interestingly, studies have shown that both adults and adolescents have similar evaluations and perceptions of risky behaviours and adolescents are just as aware of negative outcomes as adults are (Steinberg, 2008). However, even though adolescents are aware of negative outcomes, they place greater emphasis on the positive consequences of a situation, overriding potential negative consequences (Siegel, 2013). According to Siegel (2013), increased activation of the reward system in the adolescent brain also leads to hyperrationality, in which adolescents place more emphasis on the possible positive outcome, even though they are aware of the risks involved. This changes as adolescents continue to develop, and begin taking into consideration the larger context of the decision. It is important to note however, that although adolescents are collectively referred to as increased risk-takers, there are some adolescents more prone to risk-taking than others. It is therefore important to consider individual and developmental differences in reward processing and risk-taking behaviours (Casey, Getz & Galvan, 2008). Social context also heavily influences adolescent risk taking, which may explain why adolescents are more likely to make risky decisions in groups. Gardner and Steinberg (2004) conducted a study comparing peer influence on risk taking in 306 individuals in 3 different age groups: adolescents (13-16), youths (18-22) and adults (24 and older). …show more content…
The study used a driving simulation game, and participants completed the activity alone or with peers. Results showed that risky decision-making decreased with age and participants took more risks when with peers (rather than alone). However, the adolescents were most strongly influenced by their peers to take risks, taking almost three times the number of risks in the presence of their peers compared to risks taken when they were alone. A limitation of this study however was that the youths and adults completed the task with friends. The adolescents however were grouped with ‘familiar acquaintances’ from a range of contexts. Gardner and Steiner however believe that this had a minimal effect on results of the study.