Cognitive control, reward sensitivity and risk-taking in adolescence – research perspectives of the dual systems model

ObjectiveThe article presents the current state of knowledge about the cognitive, motivational and personality determinants of adolescent risk-taking in light of the dual systems model proposed in developmental neuroscience.ReviewAccording to the model, adolescence is a developmental period during which increased susceptibility towards motivational stimuli (e.g. rewards, presence of peers) and the ongoing development of cognitive control (e.g. inhibition) increase the probability of risky decision making when facing expected gratifications. Research focusing on how cognitive control and risk-taking are enhanced while rewarded is reviewed.ConclusionIn spite of a number of studies carried out using the dual systems model, several issues remain unsolved: (1) individual differences in risk-taking and its cognitive and motivational determinants; (2) the impact of different motivational stimuli both on risk-taking and cognitive control; (3) the adaptive function of risk-taking.