COMPARISON OF RISK TOLERANCE IN EARLY AND LATE ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a theoretical and empirical study of certain differences in risk indicators between adolescents and young people. It is noted that it is in adolescence and youth that the problem of finding meaning in life intensifies, self-doubt grows, intimate, personal and interpersonal misunderstandings arise, and all this affects more pronounced risky actions in certain age groups. We consider risk as specific emotional and volitional actions that activate various mental functions, which are aimed at overcoming an uncertain and dangerous situation.

The following psychodiagnostic tools were used in the empirical study: test «Subjective assessment of situations as dangerous and uncertain» (Vdovichenko, 2018), «Questionnaire risk propensity in different areas of activity» (Vdovichenko, 2007), method «Self-assessment of susceptibility to extreme risky behavior» (Zuckerman, 2005), the method «Personal decision-making factors»(OFR-25) (Kornilova, 1994), a questionnaire of qualitative indicators of risk appetite (Sannikova, & Bykova, 2008). The study sample consisted of 897 subjects of adolescence and adolescence aged 14-19 years (adolescents – 432 students, boys – 465 students).

There are some specific differences in the indicators that characterize the severity of risk. Thus, adolescents have high rates of finding new impressions, are represented in the desire to change themselves, their appearance, commit reckless, including antisocial acts, they are also prone to deviant behavior, demonstrative behaviors, high risk of addiction than adolescents. The desire for difficulties, which is characterized by high impulsiveness, aggressive behavior, neglect of details in the performance of complex work, lack of arbitrariness in activities in general, is also characteristic of adolescents to a largerly extent than adolescents.

Also, young people in risk situations are more prudent, rational in choosing strategies in solving them, aware of their actions. The obtained results serve as a basis for further research of values and motives in adolescents and young people with a certain level of risk, as well as its features, taking into account their gender differences.