Risk-taking behaviors in adolescents have traditionally been analyzed from a
psychopathological approach, with an excessive emphasis on their potential costs.
From evolutionary theory we propose that risk-taking behaviors can be means through
which adolescents obtain potential benefits for survival and reproduction. The present
study analyses sex differences in three contexts of risk (i.e., risk propensity, expected
benefits and risk perception) in the evolutionary specific domains and the predictive
value of these domains over risk-taking behaviors, separately in female and male
adolescents. 749 adolescents (females = 370) valued their risk perception, expected
benefits and risk propensity through the Evolutionary Domain-Specific Risk Scale,
as well as their engagement in risk-taking behaviors through the Risky Behavior
Questionnaire. Male adolescents showed lower risk perception in two evolutionary
domains, expected higher benefits in two other domains and showed higher risk
propensity in six domains. Female adolescents showed lower risk perception in
two domains. Additionally, risk perception, expected benefits and risk propensity in
the evolutionary domains predicted the engagement in risk-taking behaviors in male
adolescents, whereas in female adolescents only expected benefits and risk propensity
showed a predictive effect over risk-taking behaviors. These results suggest the
potential role of evolutionary mechanisms on risk-taking behaviors in adolescents.
Results have practical implications for interventions programs aimed at reducing risktaking
behaviors. In addition to considering sex differences, intervention programs
should consider alternative behaviors through which adolescents can reach their
evolutionary goals, and handle the risks related to those behaviors that cannot be
replaced but have potential benefits for adolescents.
