Culture & Risk Taking in Adolescentsʼ Behaviors

Abstract

Adolescents constitute the only segment of the population in the United States that has not seen a decrease in its mortality and morbidity over the last 4 decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified six risk-taking behaviors that place adolescents at risk: unintentional injuries and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, unhealthy dietary behaviors, and physical inactivity. This list is of particular concern for the increasingly diverse racial and ethnic youth of America who have been disproportionately affected by both morbidity and mortality from risk behaviors. To effectively care for this segment of the population, healthcare professionals need to become culturally competent. In so doing, it is also important to recognize traditional cultural values, and to acknowledge personal attributes of adolescents to promote healthy lifestyle choices and deter risk-taking behaviors.

Adolescent Relationship Violence and Acculturation Among NYC Latinos

“…The level of shared language or Spanish fluency by Latino groups inherently attaches and shapes the values, traditions, and expectations held by families. In turn, it appears in adolescent dating relationships (22, 23). The shared language may guide decision-making to influence individual behavior.…”

Transactional Models

“…According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adolescents are the only portion of society in the United States that has not observed a decrease in mortality and morbidity during the past 4 decades (Christopherson and Jordon-Marsh 2004). The CDC has outlined six risk-taking behaviors by adolescents: unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol and drug use, tobacco use, risky sexual behaviors, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.…”

“…Some just simply enjoy the fantasy found in role playing games, the clothing, the music, and the shock value they receive when walking among the mainstream. Many are nonviolent, passive, tolerant, and pacifistic, whereas, others can appear angry, depressed, and violent (Christopherson and Jordon-Marsh 2004;Young et al 2006). They tend to possess above average intelligence and are often highly literate and creative.…”

“…Approximately 35-50% of adolescents experience depression during their teenage years (Christopherson and Jordon-Marsh 2004). Depressed teens tend to be attracted to the Goth subculture.…”

“…Homicide is the third leading cause of death for children between the ages of 5-14 years (Christopherson and Jordon-Marsh 2004). It continues to be one of the leading causes of death up to age 24.…”