Abstract
The goal of the current study was to examine the combined influence of positive reinforcement processes using a behavioral task measuring risk taking propensity (RTP) and negative reinforcement processes using a behavioral task measuring deficits in distress tolerance (DT) on a range of risk taking behaviors among early adolescents. Participants included a community sample of 230 early adolescents (aged 9–13) who completed two behavioral tasks assessing reinforcement processes as well as reported on past year risk behavior involvement as assessed by items from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System at a baseline and a 1-year follow-up assessment. Data indicated that at the Wave 2 assessment, RTP was positively related to number of risk-taking behaviors in the past year but only for those with low DT, with this finding persisting after controlling for the significant influence of male gender and higher sensation seeking. Results of the present study highlight the importance of considering both positive and negative reinforcement processes in combination when investigating vulnerability factors for early risk behavior engagement in youth.
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Notes
Given the difference in the number of behaviors included in the risk behavior composite across Waves 1 and 2, all Wave 1 analyses were also conducted using the same nine risk behaviors (assessed at Wave 1) as those used in Wave 2. Results of these analyses were equivalent to those conducted with the seven risk behavior composite. Thus, in line with our prior published work using these methods of developing risk behavior composites in youth (cf., Lejuez et al. 2007), all Wave 1 results presented herein were conducted with the seven-risk behavior composite.
References
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MacPherson, L., Reynolds, E.K., Daughters, S.B. et al. Positive and Negative Reinforcement Underlying Risk Behavior in Early Adolescents. Prev Sci 11, 331–342 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-010-0172-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-010-0172-7