Page 45 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Personality and adolescent mental health

and engagement in risky behaviors, particularly substance empathy, and exhibit hostility toward others, which can
use. Traits such as sensation-seeking, impulsivity, and lead to bullying, fighting, and other forms of aggression
low conscientiousness have been consistently linked to (Evans et al., 2018; Maalouf et al., 2022; Nasti et al., 2023).
higher rates of alcohol and drug use among adolescents In particular, CU traits are strongly associated with
(Chen et al., 2019; Gómez-Bujedo et al., 2020; LaSpada chronic delinquency and severe antisocial behaviors,
et al., 2020; Quinn & Harden, 2013; Shin et al., 2012; including theft, violence, and defiance of authority (Dackis
Skóra et al., 2020). Sensation-seeking, a trait characterized et al., 2015; Frick & Viding, 2009; McMahon et al., 2010).
by the pursuit of novel and intense experiences, often Adolescents with CU traits tend to show a disregard for
leads adolescents to experiment with substances in societal norms and the rights of others, which manifests
search of stimulation. This, combined with impulsivity – in persistent rule-breaking and criminal behavior
marked by a lack of planning and foresight – can result (Huang et al., 2019; Michielsen et al., 2022; Pisano et al.,
in risky behaviors that have long-term health and social 2017). These traits are not only predictive of delinquent
consequences (LaSpada et al., 2020; Molero Jurado et al., behavior during adolescence but also suggest a higher
2020; Wasserman et al., 2020). likelihood of continued criminal activity into adulthood
Impulsivity and sensation-seeking also interact with (Assink et al., 2015; Goldweber et al., 2011; Rhoades
the developmental stage of adolescence itself. During this et al., 2016). The combination of CU traits with other
period, individuals experience heightened sensitivity to maladaptive personality traits, such as impulsivity or low
rewards and lower sensitivity to potential risks, making conscientiousness, creates a high-risk profile for chronic
them more vulnerable to the temptations of substance antisocial behavior and recidivism (Mann et al., 2015;
use (Beard et al., 2022; Mitchell & Potenza, 2014; Romer, Michielsen et al., 2022; Squillaci & Benoit, 2021).
2010; Wasserman et al., 2020; Weinstein & Dannon, 2015). Intervention strategies for adolescents exhibiting
Adolescents who score high in sensation-seeking are not delinquent behaviors often focus on improving emotional
only more likely to try drugs and alcohol but are also at regulation, empathy, and social skills, as well as addressing
risk of engaging in other risky behaviors, such as unsafe the underlying personality traits that contribute to these
driving or unprotected sexual activity (Maslowsky et al., behaviors (Houck et al., 2016; Paulus et al., 2021; Trivedi-
2019; Steinberg, 2008; Zhang et al., 2016). Moreover, Bateman & Crook, 2022). By targeting these traits
low conscientiousness, which is associated with poor early, clinicians may be able to prevent the escalation of
self-control and disregard for future consequences, delinquent behavior into more serious criminal activity.
further exacerbates the likelihood of engaging in these
risky behaviors (Boisvert et al., 2013; Breivik et al., 2020; 4.3. Pro-environmental and pro-social behaviors
Naragon-Gainey & Simms, 2017; Tharshini et al., 2021). In contrast to the traits associated with risky and antisocial
Longitudinal studies show that the presence of these behaviors, personality traits such as conscientiousness,
traits in adolescence is predictive of continued substance agreeableness, and openness to experience are linked to
use and other risk-taking behaviors in adulthood (Allen pro-environmental and pro-social behaviors. Adolescents
et al., 2021; Ghinea et al., 2019; Jordan & Andersen, 2017; who score high in conscientiousness are more likely
McCabe et al., 2022; Nawi et al., 2021). Early interventions to engage in behaviors that benefit society, such as
aimed at adolescents who exhibit high levels of impulsivity volunteering, recycling, or helping others (Longlong,
and sensation-seeking may help reduce the prevalence 2023; O’Connell, 2023). These behaviors reflect a sense
of substance abuse by promoting self-regulation and of responsibility, future-oriented thinking, and concern
future-oriented thinking (Folker et al., 2024; Romer, 2010; for the well-being of others, all of which are hallmarks
Verdejo-García et al., 2008; Wasserman et al., 2020). of conscientious individuals (Fayard et al., 2012; Jackson
et al., 2010).
4.2. Delinquency and antisocial behavior
Similarly, agreeableness is associated with empathy,
Personality traits are also closely linked to delinquent cooperation, and a desire to maintain harmonious
behaviors and the development of antisocial behavior relationships. Adolescents who have high agreeableness
during adolescence. Traits such as low agreeableness, high are more likely to engage in pro-social activities, such
neuroticism, and CU traits are significant predictors of as peer mediation, conflict resolution, and charity work
delinquency, aggression, and rule-breaking behaviors (Reizer et al., 2023; Sun et al., 2019). These behaviors
(Mann et al., 2015; Mann et al., 2018). Adolescents who not only benefit the community but also contribute to
have low agreeableness are more likely to experience the individual’s mental health and social connectedness,
conflict in interpersonal relationships, struggle with reinforcing positive outcomes in both domains.

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 37 https://doi.org/10.36922/GHES025080013