Adolescent Decision Making: Implications for Prevention Programs: Decision-Making Framework

BOX 1 APPLYING DECISION THEORY TO  ADOLESCENTS' PROBLEM BEHAVIORS OPTIONS Do teenagers see the options that adults see? Do teenagers see the options as feasible for them? Are teenagers looking at multiple options concurrently? CONSEQUENCES Are teenagers aware of the consequences? Do teenagers value what adults value? Can teenagers predict their own future tastes? FACTS AND UNCERTAINTIES Do teenagers know what the facts are? Can teenagers appreciate the quality of their information? Can teenagers appreciate the range of probabilities and magnitudes? INTEGRATION Can teenagers integrate multiple kinds of information? Do teenagers know the rules for integration? Do teenagers give disproportionate weight to particular considerations? SITUATION MANAGEMENT Do teenagers control the situations in which choices can be made? Can teenagers control themselves in risk situations? Do teenagers short-circuit the decision-making process?

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