Risk-taking behavior in adolescents is a significant bother for the US healthcare system, as it negatively affects the health and well-being of the population. According to Edelman et al. (2014), automobile and other accidents, violence, drug and alcohol use, and sexual risk-taking are the most frequent negative behaviors among adolescents. Even though some risk-taking behaviors, such as driving under the influence of alcohol and having unprotected sex, have decreased, it still remains a significant problem (Edelman et al., 2014). On the physical level, risk-taking increases among adolescents as a result of changes in the brain’s socio-emotional system, which makes adolescents more reward-seeking, especially in front of their peers (Edelman et al., 2014). Thus, nurses need to make special considerations about health promotion for this age group.
Stress is one of the factors that affect risk-taking behaviors. According to Edelman et al. (2014), stress may lead to significant psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, hostility, and anger. Additionally, stress causes a sense of disconnection from life’s meaning (Edelman et al., 2014). As for the social consequences of stress, it can cause over-eating, excessive use of alcohol or drugs, and smoking (Edelman et al., 2014). American Psychological Association (APA, 2020) reports that the pandemic caused increased stress among adolescents and older adults due to increased uncertainty. In particular, the average stress level has risen from 5.6 to 6.1 between 2018 and 2020, as the pandemic disrupted the plans of Generation Z concerning their carrier and education (APA, 2020). Thus, it is clear that the prevalence of risk-taking behaviors among adolescents is expected to be increasing during the pandemic. Therefore, it is crucial that nurses are equipped with reliable strategies to reduce stress and risk-taking behaviors among adolescents
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America 2020. Web.
Edelman, C., Mandle, C., & Kudzma, E. (2014). Health promotion throughout the life (8th ed.). Mosby.