Costs and benefits of a decision - Decision-making competence in adolescents and adults

This study examines similarities and differences between adolescents' and adults' decision-making competence when asked to help peers solve three hypothetical 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' decision-making competence differs, with adults outperforming the adolescents. Specifically, compared to the adolescents, adults were more likely to consider risks and benefits associated with the decisions and suggest advice seeking. 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. The results have implications for policies of informed consent and the age at which adolescents' rights to make certain decisions should be restricted by law. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.