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Journal of Learning Disabilities
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Learning Disabilities and Risk-Taking Behavior in Adolescents

A Comparison of Those With and Without Comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

John McNamara

Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, jmcnamara{at}brocku.ca

Sherri-Leigh Vervaeke

Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Teena Willoughby

Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Risk-taking behavior includes alcohol and drug use, delinquency, acts of aggression, sexual activity, and so on. Many studies have explored the relationship between adolescents and risk-taking behavior; however, only a few studies have examined this link in adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of the present study was to address that limitation by comparing the risk-taking behavior of adolescents with LD (n = 230), with comorbid LD/ADHD (n = 92), and without LD or ADHD (n = 322) on their substance use, engagement in major and minor delinquency, acts of aggression, sexual activity, and gambling activities. The study also investigated whether psychosocial variables (e.g., well-being) may act as mediating variables that help explain between-group differences. Results suggest that it is a combination of the LD and the secondary psychosocial characteristics that explains why adolescents with LD and comorbid LD/ADHD more frequently engage in some risk-taking behavior.

Key Words: learning disabilities • adolescents • risk taking

Journal of Learning Disabilities, Vol. 41, No. 6, 561-574 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0022219408326096
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