Unravelling Risk-Taking in Youth: Pathways to Positive Change
ISSUP India presents its webinar, "Unravelling Risk-Taking in Youth: Pathways to Positive Change," which focuses on understanding risk-taking behaviours in adolescents and youth.
This webinar examines risk-taking behaviours in adolescents and youth, exploring the biological and psychosocial factors influencing these actions. Topics will include the challenges associated with adolescent risk—such as substance use, mental health vulnerabilities, and peer influence—while also identifying opportunities for positive intervention. Attendees will gain insights into adolescent brain development, approaches to mitigate risky behaviours, and strategies to empower youth toward healthier, productive life paths. This session will offer evidence-based insights and practical tools for professionals working with young people.
Key discussion points include:
- Understanding Adolescent Brain Development:
Adolescence is a phase of both strength and vulnerability. Brain development processes, like synaptic pruning and myelination, enhance efficiency but can lead to impulsivity and risk-taking. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, matures last, contributing to these behaviors.
- Biological and Psychosocial Vulnerabilities:
Adolescents are prone to reckless behavior despite cognitive maturity due to normal brain development. Factors like developmental stressors, temperament, and family history influence risky behaviors, and peer influence is significant, as adolescents often take risks in group settings.
- Spectrum of High-Risk Behaviors:
Risk-taking manifests in various forms, including substance use, violence, self-harm, high-risk sexual behavior, and emotional issues like depression or anger. Adolescence often marks the onset of addiction and poor health habits.
- Opportunities for Intervention:
Mental health professionals play a vital role in interventions that address temperamental vulnerabilities and concurrent illnesses. Multimodal approaches, such as pharmacological treatments and psychosocial interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and time management training, can reduce externalizing behaviors. Peer-based interventions and positive activities are also important.
- Relevance and Significance:
The paradox of adolescence—rapid growth and cognitive development alongside increased morbidity and mortality—presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the developmental and social neuroscience of adolescence enables early intervention and positive influence. While risk-taking is a normal part of adolescence, careful management is necessary to prevent negative long-term consequences.
Intended Audience:
ISSUP members and professionals working with adolescents and youth, including mental health practitioner.
Learning Outcomes:
Following the webinar, participants will:
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Understand the Biological Basis of Risk-Taking in Adolescents.
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Recognise Psychosocial and Environmental Influences.
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Identify and Address High-Risk Behaviours.
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Apply Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies.
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Leverage Opportunities for Positive Development .
Presenters:
Prof. Arun Kandasamy
Dr. Arun Kandasamy is the Head of the Centre for Addiction Medicine and a Professor of Psychiatry at NIMHANS, Bangalore, where he has been a faculty member and consultant since 2012. His work encompasses administration, clinical service, academics, research, policy, and advocacy in addiction psychiatry. Dr. Kandasamy has authored 90 publications and led 21 funded and 17 non-funded projects as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator. He has supervised 44 thesis research projects, including 11 PhDs, primarily focused on addiction-related issues.
Moderator:
Goodman Sibeko, MBChB, PhD.
Scientific Advisor, ISSUP.
Webinars and online events delivered and hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) are provided for informational purposes only. They are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
