Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2199-5855

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Amy Gentzler

Committee Co-Chair

JoNell Strough

Committee Member

Mariya Cherkasova

Committee Member

Kirsten Younghee Song

Abstract

Emerging adults can engage in both positive and negative risk-taking. Based on recent previous research that identified various risk-taking profiles (Duell et al., 2022), the current project extends the literature in several ways. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify profiles of risk-taking behavior among US college students, (2) examine how correlates of cognitive values and interpersonal factors relate to risk-taking groups, and (3) investigate the role of cultural values in risk-taking profiles among Asian and non-Asian American college students. The sample was 401 participants recruited from universities in the US. Latent Profile Analyses indicated that 4-profile solution (Low Positive No Negative, High Positive and Extreme Negative, Average on Both, Low Positive and High Negative) had the best fit of indicators for positive and negative risk-taking. Multinomial logistic regression models demonstrated that greater eudaimonic motives, hedonic comfort motives, peer positive risk-taking, collectivistic orientation, and familial ethnic socialization related to belonging in Profile 1 (Low Positive No Negative). Greater thrill-seeking beliefs, psychological control of fathers, and Asian American values associated with belonging in Profile 2 (High Positive and Extreme Negative). Greater thrill-seeking beliefs and behavioral control of mothers related with belonging in Profile 3 (Average on Both), whereas greater peer negative risk-taking, behavioral control of fathers, individualistic orientation, and identifying as Non-Asian American related with belonging in Profile 4 (Low Positive and High Negative). As risk-taking research has more often focused on negative risk-taking and as Asian Americans are underrepresented in risk-taking research (Yip et al., 2022), this study promoted a more balanced view on Asian American and Non-Asian American emerging adults’ positive and negative risk-taking. Given that this study examined the relation between modifiable factors (than demographic factors) and risk-taking subgroups, findings of this study can help researchers develop future interventions.

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