Just for Men (and for the women who want to sneak a look). If you find it interesting, do leave a comment and pass it on.
Understanding Young Men and Risk-taking
Risk-taking is a trait that has been essential to the survival of the human species. It is a tendency that appears to be hardwired into the human brain and is linked to arousal and pleasure mechanisms. It has probably given humans a crucial evolutionary advantage. How else would men have hunted and faced dangerous animals, fought to protect their tribes, sought mates from other hostile groups, and have engaged in adventure and exploration of a kind that has permitted humans to spread across the globe in such a remarkably short span of time?
It has even been suggested that countries comprised of immigrant populations, probably have an above average number of risk-takers – because emigration, which is a risky endeavour, selects people with a higher capacity for risk-taking, a greater need for excitement, and a sense of vitality.
What appears to underlie risk-taking is the need for activities that are new, exciting and intense. And though risk-taking may intensify the experience of excitement, it is thought to be merely the price people pay to engage in some kinds of activities that bring excitement. Nor does risk-taking necessarily have potential for harm; like leaving home and becoming self-supporting, it may provide excitement but with little danger.
Evidence suggests that risk-taking, though influenced by environment, is largely due to the influence of genes. Genes also influence the associated traits of aggression and extroversion. Both risk-taking and excitement seeking are most prevalent in adolescent males, with a marked decline occurring with increased age. High levels of testosterone, which reach a peak in adolescence, are also part of the equation, as is the brain function regulator, monoamine oxidase (MO). This enzyme is found in lower levels in males than females, and these levels rise with age. Low levels of MO are associated with higher levels of excitement seeking and risk-taking. Little wonder that the military has always preferred to send younger men to war – when their capacity for risk-taking and their desire for excitement are at their highest.
Nor should it surprise us that, when so many traditional outlets for risk-taking and excitement seeking have been eliminated from modern life – especially for young men, new outlets have to be found. “Extreme” sports and outdoor activities are an example of this. Unfortunately, though, affordable and healthy outlets are not always available. In the absence of more guided and harm diminished healthy outlets – and the role models to promote them, drugs, heavy drinking, anti-social aggression, property damage, crime and reckless driving often serve as substitutes.
To attempt to feminize young men to curtail their pursuit of excitement and risk-taking simply ignores biological reality. Until we make a concerted effort to provide genuine harm diminished risk-taking opportunities for them – opportunities to expend their masculine energies and to experience excitement, aren’t we taking the reckless risk of leaving them with only potentially harmful options?