Every-day risk-taking: influence of impulsivity, luck, gender and age on propensity to take risks.

Mizrahi, Daniel (2018) Every-day risk-taking: influence of impulsivity, luck, gender and age on propensity to take risks. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Risk-taking behaviour has been studied at length, specifically with regards to it’s relationship between impulsivity, luck, gender and age. However, a vast majority of studies focus on a small number of risky behaviours; drug taking, dangerous driving, gambling, risky sexual behaviour and others. Research into risks that are encountered in day to day life is lacking in comparison. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the relationships between every-day risk taking and impulsivity, luck, gender and age mirrors those found when the risk-taking is of a severe nature. Eighty-five participants of varying ages and genders completed questionnaires measuring luck, impulsivity and every-day risk taking. Regression analysis revealed that impulsivity was a significant predictor of every-day risk-taking, but that luck was not. Independent t-tests revealed that no significant difference was found between males and females for every-day risk-taking. No correlation was found between age and every-day risk-taking. These findings are explored, along with potential reasons for the lack of relationships with luck, gender and age. Methodological considerations are discussed, along with ideas for future research.