High Risk Behaviors Have More Closer and Stable Friendships in Adolescents Essay Example

sensitivity to rewards have a substantial impact on decision-making among adolescents, resulting in a greater tendency towards risky behavior. Additionally, rewards related to peer companionship, acceptance, and interaction carry more weight for adolescents, rendering them more vulnerable to participating in possibly dangerous actions. Ultimately, engaging in high-risk behaviors allows adolescents to form lasting and meaningful relationships with their peers through acceptance and interaction.

According to research, risk-taking behavior in adolescents is associated with both positive and negative outcomes. Adolescents have limited self-regulation abilities and heightened emotional reactivity, which makes them more prone to the negative consequences of risk-taking. This susceptibility leads to an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. Studies show that adolescents are more interested in potential rewards rather than potential costs in a given situation, and they are comfortable with the unpredictability of these situations. This inclination towards experimentation contributes to their preference for engaging in higher levels of risk-taking behavior. Additionally, spending significant time with peers can further influence their decisions to engage in risky behaviors.

Research has demonstrated that engaging in risky activities strengthens and prolongs the bonds among teenagers, unlike those who abstain from such behaviors. Substance abuse is more prevalent among individuals, particularly adolescents, who partake in risky behaviors. The younger generation, especially teenagers and young adults, readily adopt new technology with a particular focus on cell phones. Statistics indicate that a staggering 83% of 17-year-olds possess cell phones. Teenagers primarily utilize text-based communication on their cell phones as their preferred mode of interaction due to its widespread usage and proven effectiveness.

The use of cell phones and this mode of communication can have detrimental effects on teenagers. These include the danger

of distracted driving, which can result in accidents and physical harm. Additionally, there is a concern regarding sexting, whereby explicit or suggestive photos are transmitted via text messages. Sexting can lead to mental health complications and legal problems, particularly if those involved are underage. Moreover, it carries the risk of public embarrassment if these images are made accessible to others. A study conducted with 763 adolescents and young adults discovered that 44% had participated in sexting. It is worth noting that individuals who admitted to engaging in sexting were more likely to have recently used drugs.

Recent reports indicate that a notable portion of teenagers have engaged in risky sexual activities, such as unprotected sex and multiple partners. Additionally, a significant proportion (44%) of adolescents have participated in sexting. Research revealed that 31.58% of those who sexted went on to have sexual intercourse with a new partner. Furthermore, teenagers involved in sexting had more sexual partners compared to non-participants. Moreover, it seems that sexting plays a role in cultivating strong and long-lasting relationships due to the high level of privacy associated with sharing intimate messages.

The reason for this is that sharing sexually explicit images publicly can lead to the sender feeling extremely embarrassed. Consequently, teenagers in such situations require strong relationships to safeguard their personal information. Drawing from attachment theory, individuals internalize their interactions with close individuals and form attachment representations of these relationships. These attachment representations subsequently influence an individual's perception and comprehension of future interpersonal experiences.

The quality of relationships determines the type of attachments formed. Insecure attachments stem from uncaring and rejecting relationships, while secure attachments are formed in warm and supportive relationships.

It is believed that secure attachments in friendships are vital for psychological well-being. When teenagers are upset, they typically seek solace and guidance from their friends with whom they have secure attachments. Thus, friendships play a significant role in shaping adolescent behavior.

Adolescents with high-risk behavior tend to have stronger and more stable friendships because close friendship attachments serve significant developmental functions during this stage. The security and trust within these friendships are higher, leading to increased stability compared to friendships of adolescents not involved in high-risk behaviors.

The attachment theory is based on the belief that the security of attachment is rooted in past relational experiences, and remains strong throughout life. This security is maintained by seeking validation in interpersonal interactions, which reinforces one's internal working models. While attachment security is typically stable, conflicting internal models can impact it. This explains why friendships between adolescents engaged in high risk behavior are often close and long-lasting, as they share a common internal model. Similarly, adolescents with similar interests form strong attachments, as their past and present relational experiences affect their attachment security.

Adolescent friendships among those engaged in high-risk behaviors tend to be stronger and more stable because adolescents have a strong fear of rejection. As a result, they often continue participating in these risky behaviors to avoid being rejected, which further solidifies their bonds with their friends. If an adolescent decides to distance themselves from these friendships, they may struggle to fit in with other social groups due to the perception of being an outcast and the lasting effects of past experiences. Therefore, the desire for acceptance and belonging greatly influences the strength of friendships among adolescents

involved in high-risk behaviors.

References

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(2016) Risk Perception and Risk-Taking Behaviour during Adolescence: The Influence of Personality and Gender. 1 University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Benotsch, E., Snipes, D., Martin, A. & Bull, S.

(2013) Journal of Adolescent Health: Sexting, Substance Use, and Sexual Risk Behavior in Young Adults. Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.

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