Question: One of my daughters (18 years old) has a certain attraction to dangerous situations: she drives after drinking alcohol, makes superficial cuts on her wrists or arms, and has a promiscuous life. She says it is “a controlled risk” and that we are exaggerating. AVP of Q. Córdoba Capital
The difference between a risk behavior that is considered healthy, productive and valuable, and one that is considered abnormal, pathological or dangerous, depends on several factors, such as the context, the nature of the risk, the motivations behind that behavior and its consequences potentials.
Thus, in some cases, taking risks can be positive and even necessary for personal or professional development.
These behaviors are characterized by being calculated, controlled and growth-oriented.
Some examples: those who take deliberate risks to encourage the development of new ideasprojects or changes in their lives in order to make important progress, such as starting a new business, changing careers or moving to another country.
The purpose is to seek better opportunities and personal success.
Also, taking risks to overcome fears or face challenges Emotions by stepping out of your comfort zone (public speaking or trying something new) can build self-esteem and confidence.
Anyone who participates in extreme sports or adventure activities – as long as it is done with appropriate safety measures – can develop discipline, resilience and increase your personal value.
Healthy risk behavior involves evaluating potential consequences, taking steps to mitigate dangers, and being willing to accept a reasonable degree of uncertainty. These risks are generally manageable and Its benefits outweigh its costs.
Take risks to improve
The keys to identify Productive risk behaviors are when the individual plans before actingyou make a reasonable evaluation of the possible consequences, the goal is your personal growth, you take precautions to reduce the danger and the results are learning and developing greater opportunities to improve.
On the contrary, when the risk is assumed without adequate evaluation, out of an outburst or due to the inability to manage one’s impulses, These behaviors become not only pathological but also dangerous.
Compulsive thrill-seeking may include drug use. / Photo: Shutterstock.An example of this is when the individual takes risks without thinking about the consequences, without worrying about the damage they may cause; when intense emotions are compulsively sought (may include drug use, self-harm, or engaging in unprotected dangerous activities),
which usually reflect an addiction to adrenaline or deeper emotional problems; when risky behaviors endanger third parties (drink driving); or there is a frank self-destructive attitude.
They are then indicators of pathological risk behaviors when the subject does not evaluate the consequences or does so in an unrealistic way, their behavior is impulsive or difficult to control, there is a need for emotional escape, immediate gratification is sought and there are recurring negative consequences (physical injuries, legal problems, social isolation).
Behind the pathological risk there is always an underlying psychological or psychiatric problem which deserves urgent specialized attention that should not be delayed.
It is worth mentioning that adolescence is a particularly fruitful age in this area.
