Should I risk it? Positive and negative risk-taking
“This is too risky!”... “You can’t risk that much!”... Even though it is often talked about negatively, as something we should avoid, there are beneficial and even healthy aspects of risk-taking. Let’s explore together!
The Science Behind Risk-Taking
First things first! When we talk about risk, we simply mean an action or choice that has an uncertain outcome. Typically, the younger we are, the more comfortable we are with feeling unsure. This is because during our teen years, we have an increased sensitivity to dopamine. Dopamine is not only connected with feeling good, but also affects our motivation and learning. Whenever the result of our actions is positively surprising, our brains release “extra” dopamine, making us more likely to take another leap in the future. This is paired with our brains not being fully developed yet - we don’t have our “breaks” in yet. This means that teens have a lot of motivation to try new things, and not so much ability to pause and rethink. Together, this is the perfect recipe for heightened risk-taking.
There is a benefit to this period of increased risk-taking, though. For example, teens are trying to discover their identities. This means testing our skills, exploring what the limits are (our personal limits, but also those set at school and home), and seeking out new experiences. All of this involves risk-taking.
Positive Risk
When we take positive risks, we engage in actions that have the potential to benefit us, even though they might carry challenges or some uncertainty. Ideally, we act thoughtfully, prepare, and consider the consequences of our choices. An important part of understanding if a risk is positive is evaluating whether it aligns with our personal values - Does it bring us closer to the person we aspire to be? Does the prospect of what we are (or might be) about to do bring feelings of pride or confidence? If the answer is yes, the pondered risk is probably a positive one. Examples would include taking up a new sport, auditioning for a part in a play, or maybe asking someone out on a date. These can take us out of our comfort zone, help us learn new skills, and build courage as well as commitment. What is more, positive risks support developing a sense of purpose, for example, through finding new hobbies, defining goals, or future aspirations, and may help us connect more closely with the people around us.
Negative Risk
Taking a negative risk feels different. It can be experienced as conflicting, poorly aligned with what we stand for, and lead to sensations of regret, guilt, or even affect how we see ourselves as people. A negative risk refers to choosing actions that are likely to lead to harmful outcomes, especially without carrying out proper planning or actually considering the consequences. It’s often spontaneous, random, or evoked by feeling pressured by peers. This can involve exploring substance use (smoking, vaping, alcohol, drugs), risky sexual behavior (neglecting protection, sexting), and breaking the law (trespassing, theft, etc.).
A negative risk gives us a temporary thrill, maybe helping to take our mind off some worries or disconnect for a moment. The problem is, it’s almost always not worth taking. It may push us to make compromises about what matters to us and can lead to unsafe situations. But if it’s so bad, why do so many people do it? Well, our brains, especially during teen years, are “rigged” to feel very rewarded by receiving admiration from others (for example, for appearing rebellious or overconfident) and feeling included, like we belong. Although feeling valued and wanted by others is important for anyone, achieving it through endangering our health, well-being, or safety is just not the way to go.
Are some people just risk-takers?
Sure! Just like some of us are naturally more outgoing, or shy, musical, or maybe sporty, there are differences in how we see and assess risk. What feels like a leap to one person will be an easy choice for another. Usually, those who tend to take negative risks will also take positive ones just as often and vice versa. Why? It’s possible that both kinds of risk provide us with similar exciting sensations and experiences. However, it’s important to know that negative risk-taking happens more frequently for teens who have a hard time with impulsivity, making rash or reckless choices, potentially under the pressure of circumstances. This is not the case when it comes to positive risks since they are taken much more slowly.
So, it’s worth it to reflect on our attitude towards risk. Are you always excited to try new things and struggle to think about the outcomes? Or do you tend to be so cautious that you hardly ever take a risk? Maybe you are somewhere in between? Understanding this can help us become more aware and empowered to make helpful choices that are in line with our values, even in situations when we feel pressure or peer expectations.
You’ve got this! Just remember - Think before you leap!