Abstract
The present study investigated the relationship between risk-taking, neighborhood social capital and life satisfaction among adolescent girls. Survey data were used from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) research project and The United States sample was comprised of 14,817 students, ranging from grades 6 through 10. Surveys were conducted in the 2001-2002 school year. Results from a multivariate linear regression model using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software, indicated that risk-taking behaviors committed by adolescent girls was significantly associated with lower life satisfaction, controlling for race, neighborhood social capital, family affluence, and age. The effect of risk-taking on life satisfaction did not differ between boys and girls. Black girls had higher life satisfaction scores than that of white girls. Both neighborhood social capital and family affluence had a positive significant relationship with life satisfaction. Age also had a significant negative relationship to girls’ life satisfaction. Results suggest that some forms of adolescent risk-taking behaviors do effect life satisfaction such as substance use and physical violence. Findings also suggest a need for programs in schools and the community that address substance use and focus on developing better social skills with peers to prevent physical violence. Implementing such programs may deter adolescent girls from partaking in risky behaviors that may jeopardize their health, public safety, and their life satisfaction.