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 ch anges associated with children's and adolescents' health behavior. Hig h school and elementary school children completed surveys concerning ( 1) the extent to which they engage in a variety of preventive and risk y health behaviors, and (2) influence sources used in decision making concerning the enactment of these behaviors. Multiple regression analy sis revealed that the sources of influence children and adolescents re port considering in making health-related decisions change development ally and as a function of gender. Moreover, within and across age, chi ldren's sources of influence with respect to health decision making ar e dependent on the health domains being considered. The findings are d iscussed in relation to decision-making theory and the implications fo r the content and timing of health education initiatives for adolescen ts.