Bl. Halpern-felsher et E. Cauffman, Costs and benefits of a decision - Decision-making competence in adolescents and adults, J APPL D P, 22(3), 2001, pp. 257-273
This study examines similarities and differences between adolescents' and a
dults' decision-making competence when asked to help peers solve three hypo
thetical dilemmas. Data were obtained from interviews with 223 6th-, 8th-,
10th-, and 12th-grade students as well as young adults (X age = 23.36, S.D.
= 6.37). Results of this study indicate that adolescents' and adults' deci
sion-making competence differs, with adults outperforming the adolescents.
Specifically, compared to the adolescents, adults were more likely to consi
der risks and benefits associated with the decisions and suggest advice see
king. Fewer participants at all ages mentioned options, risks, and benefits
than expected. Decisionmaking competence varied across the three decision-
making dilemmas, but no age by decision scenario interactions were found. T
he results have implications for policies of informed consent and the age a
t which adolescents' rights to make certain decisions should be restricted
by law. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.