The young male hypothesis of risk-taking behavior

Abstract

The young male syndrome postulates that young men demonstrate excessive risk-taking behavior. Initially, archival studies analyzing homicide data confirmed this phenomenon, yet few experimental or cross-sectional studies have offered additional support. The current research systematically tested the young male hypothesis in five studies. The hypothesis proposes that the general tendency for men to be more prone to risk than women is stronger among younger than older adults. Looked at from a different angle, the hypothesis proposes that the general tendency for risk propensity to decline with age is stronger among men than women. Study 1 assessed general risk propensity among members of the Dutch general public. Results did not support the young male hypothesis. Study 2 assessed both general and domain-specific risk propensity, again among Dutch respondents. Results pertaining to risk propensity in the occupational and leisure/sports domains contradicted the young male hypothesis. Study 3 refined the measurement of domain-specific risk propensity. Results neither replicated the contradictory findings of Study 2 nor offered support for the young male hypothesis. Yet, a suggestive pattern emerged in the financial domain, which was consistent with the hypothesis: the tendency for men (compared to women) to be more inclined toward financial risk was stronger among younger than older adults. Study 4 implemented further methodological improvements to hone in on the young male hypothesis. Results revealed strong support for the hypothesis in the financial and recreational risk domains. Considering the inherent limitations of the self-report measures used in Studies 1-4, Study 5 assessed financial risk propensity via choice scenarios, with outcomes phrased either as gains or losses. Results again supported the hypothesis, but only when financial outcomes were framed as gains. Whereas individuals are generally risk averse in the gain domain, young men bucked this trend in an attempt to maximize financial outcomes. Evolutionary perspectives consider this behavior as a high risk-high reward strategy.

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