Videoblog: Risky business? Why only some teens are risk-takers and why risk-taking is okay

February 10, 2019 • 1 min read

Teens are often described as notorious risk-takers. But is that true of everyone?

Neeltje Blankenstein studied how risks are processed differently in the brain depending on the context and on whether you’re a risk-taker. Also, risk taking in adolescence may be a good thing! Neeltje tells about her research in this videoblog.

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Risk-taking has a bad reputation. Although it’s natural to be concerned about the high levels of risk-taking among young people, with adverse consequences including death and injuries, we shouldn’t forget that risk-taking can also have a positive side.

Berna Güroğlu • February 22, 2016

What motivates adolescents?

Adolescence is marked by a peak in activity in the reward center of the brain. In our recent study, we found that various motivational factors contribute to these developmental changes from early adolescence to early adulthood.

Lisa Schreuders • March 25, 2018

Videoblog: Got a friend in me? The neural signature of friendships and social motivations

Friends provide emotional support and help us define who we are. Lisa Schreuders examined how social interactions contribute to adolescent social development. She examined neural processes implicated in forming and maintaining friendships.

Lisa Schreuders • February 25, 2019

leidenpsychologyblog

Neeltje Blankenstein

Videoblog: Risky business? Why only some teens are risk-takers and why risk-taking is okay

Related

Shark sighted: I think I’ll go for a swim!

What motivates adolescents?

Videoblog: Got a friend in me? The neural signature of friendships and social motivations