Developmental Status, Gender, Age, and Self-Reported Decision-Making Influences on Students' Risky and Preventive Health Behaviors

This study used decision-making theory to analyze the developmental changes associated with children's and adolescents' health behavior. High school and elementary school children completed surveys concerning (1) the extent to which they engage in a variety of preventive and risky health behaviors, and (2) influence sources used in decision making concerning the enactment of these behaviors. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the sources of influence children and adolescents report considering in making health-related decisions change developmentally and as a function of gender. Moreover, within and across age, children's sources of influence with respect to health decision making are dependent on the health domains being considered. The findings are discussed in relation to decision-making theory and the implications for the content and timing of health education initiatives for adolescents.