Final answer:
The Gardner and Steinberg (2005) study examines the impact of peers on adolescent risk-taking, with related research by Galvan et al. (2007) showing that brain activity in the neural reward center is correlated with risk-taking. Peer influence is significant in areas like risky sexual behavior as indicated by Potard et al. (2008). Emerging adulthood is also a critical period for identity exploration that may affect risk behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gardner and Steinberg (2005) Study on Adolescent Risk-Taking in the Presence of Peers
The Gardner and Steinberg (2005) study sought to understand whether young people are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors when in the presence of their peers. While the specific study by Gardner and Steinberg (2005) is not provided in the given references, related literature identifies the influence of peer presence on adolescent decision-making. For example, Galvan et al. (2007) investigated risk-taking and the adolescent brain, finding that the neural reward center's activity is correlated to risk-taking, though not impulsivity and risk perception. The presence of peers is often linked to increased risk-taking because adolescents are particularly sensitive to social influences and peer approval. Research by Potard, Courtoisand, and Rusch (2008) also accents the sway of peers over risky sexual behavior during adolescence, pinpointing peer influence as a considerable factor in such decisions.
Furthermore, literature suggests teens may prioritize peer input over parental guidance in specific scenarios, with certain types of dilemmas being more susceptible to peer influence. Herrenkohl et al. (2000) and Donenberg et al. (2002) explore developmental risk factors for youth violence and the effects of parental monitoring on risky sexual behavior, respectively, offering insights into the environmental and social factors contributing to adolescent risk behaviors.
It's important to note that the period of emerging adulthood, which spans from 18 years old to the mid-20s, is a prime time for identity exploration. During this phase, individuals are navigating the complexities of work and love, which could influence their susceptibility to peer pressure and risk-taking tendencies.