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.

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

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

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

Are depressive and anxiety disorders visible in the adolescent brain?

Adolescence is a period in life during which many changes occur. For most adolescents these changes just happen and have no further detrimental implications for their daily live. However, for some adolescents this period is not without consequences. Video.

Bianca G. van den Bulk • June 01, 2015

leidenpsychologyblog

Neeltje Blankenstein

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

Related

What motivates adolescents?

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

Are depressive and anxiety disorders visible in the adolescent brain?