Why do some teens engage in risky behavior? A study published in the journal Pediatrics surveyed over 20,000 teens about their perceptions of early death and actual risk-taking. The University of Minnesota researchers examined whether teens who anticipated dying young were more likely to engage in risky behavior. The study lasted over a 7-year period.
Nearly 15% of respondents reported at least a 50-50 chance that they would not live to age 35. These respondents were more likely to participate in a large range of risk behaviors including suicide attempt, fight-related injury, police arrest, unsafe sexual activity, and a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. This is the first time that perception of early death has been shown to correlate with risky behaviors. Traditionally, it has been thought that teenagers just don’t think about the risk involved with dangerous behaviors. In other words, they have a kind of immunity in their minds.
The Minnesota study is even more troubling because the teens appreciated the risks but discounted the danger, as they believed they weren’t going to live very long anyway. That’s what you call a self-fulfilling prophecy. The study didn’t provide any follow-up mortality results to show an actual correlation with early death – just the perception of an early demise.
The survey also revealed that perceptions of early death varied widely by race and ethnic group. Just 10% of whites envisioned an early death, while 29% of Native Americans, 21% of Hispanics and 15% of Asians reported they would probably die young. This perception also strongly correlated with living with just one parent, being on welfare and living in the city. Teens who believed they would die early were seven times more likely to become HIV positive during the term of the study.
The study provides an important tool for parents and pediatricians in identifying high-risk youths. The good news is that optimistic kids of any race or ethnic group are less likely to engage in risky behavior. But if a teen’s world view is pessimistic enough to anticipate dying young, parents should seek help before the teen behaves in ways that could result in an early death.See All House Calls by Dr. Geehr.