Risk-Taking in Children: Age and Sex Differences

Abstract

success stories throughout our history [place] a high premium on taking a chance. The pioneers took a chance; they were courageous killers of bears. These themes are instilled into the growing child without regard to sex. This is what Davy Crockett did, this is what the space cadet does. . . . Girls emerging from common patterns of babyhood suddenly learn, however, that their adult role is to be a different one [Alpenfels & Hayes, 1961, p. 107].