Teens Who Think They'll Die Young Take More Risks

An article published in the July issue of Pediatrics reports that teens who think they will die young are more likely to engage in risky behavior like using drugs, attempting suicide, getting arrested or having unprotected sex.

As the paper states, "Adolescents' perceived risk for early death predicted serious health outcomes, notably a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in young adulthood."

These findings dispel a common myth, namely that teens take risks because they think they are invincible, when, in fact, a lot are taking risks for just the opposite reason!

What do you think of these findings? Does the study ring true for you?