Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Psychology

Major Professor

Marc Karver, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Vicky Phares, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Fallon Goodman, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Joseph Vandello, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Rita DeBate, Ph.D.

Keywords

autonomy, behavior, empathy, modeling, positive risk-taking, risk-taking

Abstract

Positive risk-taking is a common behavior which may be associated with favorable outcomes. However, there has been little theoretical and empirical investigation of potential predictors and pathways to this behavior. Both social/behavioral and psychological factors may play a role in engagement in positive risk-taking. Modeling, along with related factors (i.e., perceived similarity and perceived credibility of the model), may lead to engagement in positive risk-taking behavior and intentions. Further, internal psychological characteristics (i.e., autonomy, fear of negative evaluation, empathy, and previous positive risk-taking behavior) may also be associated with engagement in positive risk-taking behavior. As such, the present study sought to build on existing literature by experimentally testing whether modeling of positive risk-taking behavior (i.e., standing up for someone in a disadvantaged position) influences intentions and engagement in that same behavior. Further, the present study aimed to investigate moderators of this relationship, as well as potential psychological predictors of positive risk-taking. Undergraduate students (N = 85) were recruited and randomized to the experimental group (modeling of positive risk-taking) or control group (no modeling). Results suggested that modeling had a moderate effect on positive risk-taking behavior, though this finding was nonsignificant. Contrary to the study hypothesis, individuals in the control group reported higher intentions to engage in positive risk-taking. Finally, in line with hypotheses, empathy and previous experience with positive risk-taking were significant predictors of intentions to engage in positive risk-taking. These findings provide preliminary support for potential social/behavioral and psychological mechanisms of positive risk-taking behavior and suggest important directions for future research.

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