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Influencing Factors of Social Cognition in Adolescent Decision-Making and Risk Behavior

Author(s)

Haotian Yu

Affiliation(s)

University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA, 92697

Abstract

Based on social cognitive theory, this study systematically explores the impact of social cognition on adolescent decision-making and risk behavior. By sorting out the basic concepts and theoretical framework of social cognition, combined with the unique psychological development characteristics of adolescence, the role of observational learning, peer influence and social context in adolescent decision-making mechanisms is analyzed. The study pointed out that the emotional drive and social sensitivity of adolescent decision-making make them more susceptible to peer pressure and social models, and thus tend to choose short-term high-risk behaviors in specific situations. At the same time, from the perspective of developmental psychology, the study reveals the diversity of behavioral characteristics in adolescence and their interaction with social cognition. Based on this, this paper summarizes the shortcomings and controversies of existing research, and puts forward future research directions and practical suggestions, including deepening theoretical discussions from a cross-cultural and multidisciplinary perspective, and optimizing adolescent behavior development through educational intervention and technical means. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for adolescent behavior research and provide feasible solutions for social policy formulation and educational practice.

Keywords

Social Cognition; Adolescent Decision-Making; Risky Behavior; Observational Learning; Peer Influence

References

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