Adolescent Decision Making: An Overview
By Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Ph.D.
The Prevention Researcher,
Volume 16, Number 2, 2009, Pages 3-7, Item# A162-Halpern-Felsher
An important developmental task during adolescence is learning to make decisions, experiencing the related positive and negative consequences, and learning from these outcomes. However, a youth’s ability to make competent decisions is sometimes called into question because adolescence is also often a time of engagement in risky behaviors. This article provides an overview of adolescent decision making, presents models of health-related decision making, and discusses factors which influence the decision-making process during adolescence. It concludes with implications that are relevant to those who work with youth.
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This article can be found in the issue:
Adolescent Decision Making
The Prevention Researcher,
Volume 16, Number 2, 2009
Adolescence is a critical time in life when youth begin to make life-changing decisions – whether deciding who to date, what career goals to pursue, or making the decision to drink and drive. Understanding how youth make decisions can help us as we assist them along the path to independence. This issue focuses on the adolescent decision-making process, including how goal setting impacts decision making, and how and when youth consult with others.
This issue also featured these articles:
- Adolescent Decision Making: An Overview, Pages 3-7
- Goal Setting and Decision Making by At-Risk Youth, Pages 17-20
- Intuitive Risk Taking During Adolescence, Pages 8-11
- “What Should I Do?” How Consultants Impact Adolescents’ Risky Decisions, Pages 12-16
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