Authors:

Emma Distifeno

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About Paper:

Adolescents (MoDA) Depression affects up to 10% of adolescents and has been shown to impair executive functioning, which is linked to increased risk-taking behavior (actions involving harm with possible reward). However, research has not sufficiently examined how behavioral tasks measuring risk-taking decision making in adolescent populations contribute to understanding this relationship. A positive association has been observed between depression and engagement in risky behaviors. Adolescence represents a critical developmental period, and longitudinal studies indicate that high school students who report depressive symptoms show faster increases in substance use over time. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how depression influences risk-taking to better inform prevention and intervention efforts. The Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) is a computerized behavioral measure used to assess risk-taking in laboratory settings. Using data from Dr. Casement's Mechanisms of Depression and Anhedonia in Adolescence (MoDA) study (ages 14-18), this study investigates whether performance on the BART is associated with self-reported depressive symptoms measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). It is hypothesized that higher cumulative depressive symptoms will correlate with greater risk-taking on the BART. Findings may improve understanding of depression-related risk and inform targeted interventions for adolescents.

Source:

University of Oregon / 2026

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Co-authors:

Emma Distifeno