Risk Taking Behavior among Adolescents: An Exploratory Study

Adolescence is the most critical stage of development with identity achievement and formation. Due to the lack of maturation and incomplete brain development, they tend to indulge in various risk-taking behaviors and sensation seeking activities. The present study attempts to find out the various risk-taking behaviors like alcohol consumption, reckless driving, smoking, impulsive behavior and binge eating among adolescents of Kerala. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and Background Information Schedule. The analysis of the data revealed that 17% of adolescents indulge in smoking, and 8% of the participants consume alcohol due to peer pressure. 20% of the participants revealed that they indulge in impulsive behaviors like fighting with peers, elders, teachers etc.  The findings of the study recommend an immediate intervention among adolescents to sensitize them about the issues of alcohol consumption, reckless driving, smoking, binge eating etc