AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Abstract

Risky behaviors such as dangerous driving, substance use and unprotected sex have been plaguing adolescents of all genders and ethnic groups for generations. While adolescent risktaking has had much attention in previous research, the current study explored whether findings regarding gender differences hold up across different ethnic groups. Contrary to previous research, which has found that men are generally riskier than women, our investigation sought to examine a possible paradigm shift where young women are potentially just as risky as young men. The current study also investigates ethnic group differences and predicted that risky behaviors would be seen less in Latinos than other ethnic groups. Participants provided demographic information and information on risk-taking behaviors. Results indicated no significant gender differences in substance use, sexual behaviors, or overall risk behaviors. Male students were only significantly riskier in driving behaviors. Results from this study also confirmed the hypothesis that Latinos would not display risky behaviors to the extent that Caucasians and African Americans do. Future research is warranted to investigate whether young women are engaging in these types of behaviors in much the same way as men across different contexts.