Final answer:
Adolescent behavior is influenced by the development of the brain, peer pressure, and a drive to form independent social and moral identities. Risk-taking tends to become more prevalent in late adolescence, and while adolescents are capable of evaluating risks, they may be genetically predisposed to risk-taking as a means of establishing independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In adolescence, individuals begin to navigate complex social dynamics, which often include an increase in risky behaviors. Risky behaviors like smoking, drinking, and promiscuity usually do not manifest until late in adolescence. During this period, peer influence can play a significant role in the choices adolescents make. The pressures of forming a system of moral and ethical values, and developing intimate relationships, weigh heavily during this time. Late maturers may struggle with poor body image and low self-esteem, potentially prompting compensatory risky behaviors. Adolescents are also going through developmental stages where their decision-making process is still maturing, making them more susceptible to impulsive choices despite understanding risks and rewards similarly to adults.
Adolescents' brain development is another key factor. The lack of correlation between brain activity in the neural reward center and impulsivity and risk perception indicates that while the adolescent brain is responsive to rewards, it does not necessarily equate to greater impulsivity compared to other ages. Yet, there might be an evolutionary underpinning suggesting that adolescents are genetically inclined to take risks, perhaps as a means to venture out and establish independence in the transition to adulthood. These findings challenge some of the misconceptions regarding adolescent storm and stress and point to the complexity of adolescent development.