Understanding Gendered Patterns in Adolescent Risk-Taking: Health, Recreational, and Social Domains in Focus

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical juncture of development marked by identity formation, increased independence, and heightened engagement in risk-taking behaviours. These behaviours often vary across domains such as health/safety, recreational, and social contexts, and are influenced by gender-based differences in psychological disposition and socialization. The present study aimed to examine whether male and female adolescents differ significantly across these specific domains of risk-taking. A sample of 60 adolescents (33 males and 27 females) from Kolkata, West Bengal, was selected using purposive sampling. The Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Mann-Whitney test to assess behavioural tendencies in three domains: health/safety, recreational, and social risk-taking. Statistical analysis revealed significant gender differences in health/safety and recreational risk-taking, with males demonstrating higher engagement in these areas. However, no significant gender differences were found in social risk-taking behaviours. The findings highlight the relevance of gender in understanding adolescent risk tendencies and underscore the need for gender-sensitive approaches in behavioural assessments and interventions.