Adolescent risk-taking and the five-factor model of personality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the links between adolescent risk-taking and personality in a comprehensive manner, as opposed to focusing on any one particular risk or personality factor as has occurred in much previous research. We conceptualized risk-taking broadly through use of the Adolescent Risk Questionnaire (ARQ) which yields information relating to risk judgements and behaviours in four areas (i.e. thrill-seeking risk behaviours, reckless risks, rebellious risks and antisocial risks). Personality was conceptualized using the Five-factor Model of personality, a comprehensive trait model of personality. The ARQ and the NEO Five-factor Inventory were administered to 459 school-based adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. Consistent with past research, younger adolescents and girls generally reported engaging in risk behaviours less frequently than older adolescents and boys. Also, younger adolescents and girls generally rated the ARQ behaviours as more risky than their older male counterparts. This was in line with the significant negative correlations found between risk judgements and risk behaviours of all types. Also consistent with past research, few age differences were found for the personality traits. Sex differences were evident, with female adolescents scoring higher on neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness than male adolescents. Together, risk judgements, personality factors, age and sex were found to be significant predictors of risk behaviours; however, the personality factor of significance was found to differ depending upon the risk type. This was also true for age and sex which differed in importance depending upon the risk type. Overall, these factors were most successful in predicting rebellious risk-taking and least successful in predicting thrill-seeking.