Stronger self-control reduces negative risk-taking in adolescents

Using data from 108 young people in the UK, researchers at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, have investigated the link between cognitive control and risk-taking behaviours. To test cognitive control, researchers tested respondents’ memory, as well as self-control and how flexible their thinking was. All data was collected through an online survey with 12–18-year-olds, with parents providing consent and demographic information for those under 16 years old. The survey collected demographic information, with young people completing the cognitive control task, followed by two research parts which assessed the likelihood of risk taking – both positive and negative – and self-control. Positive risk-taking included learning a new sport or starting a new friendship. Negative risk-taking included cheating in an exam, and smoking and vaping. The study asked how often young people had taken part in these activities in the last 6 months, as well as how likely they would be to take part. Comparing the cognitive control of adolescents to their risk-taking behaviour, it was found that higher cognitive control suggested less negative risk taking, but no significant impact on positive risk taking. This is supported by previous research that shows lower working memory leads to more impulsive actions that commonly lead to negative risk taking. The research found that high ‘effortful control’ (or self-control), was strongly linked to less negative risk taking and more willingness for positive risk taking. Researchers suggest that this kind of cognitive control can help adolescents ignore the negative influences that lead to negative risks, and instead understand the long-term benefits that come from positive risks. Interestingly, whether young people have high cognitive control or not, all negative risk-taking increased with age within the 12–18-year-old sample. For more information, click here.