Risky Behaviors: Integrating Adolescent Egocentrism with the Theory of Planned Behavior

Of all age groups, adolescents are at the highest risk for experiencing negative health outcomes associated with risky behaviors. Persuasive messages targeting adolescents that urge them to refrain from tobacco use and alcohol consumption have not been met with great success, perhaps in part due to adolescent egocentrism. The utility of the theory of planned behavior applied to health outcomes has been supported across multiple health behaviors for adults. Perhaps integrating the two constructs of adolescent egocentrism with the three components of the theory of planned behavior will better enable researchers to persuade adolescents to refrain from risky behaviors, leading to improved health outcomes.