Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-169). Also available on the Internet.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic records (p.44-49).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2009. / "Graduate Program in Social Work." Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-134).

We extend Kreps and Porteus' (1978, 1979a,b) temporal utility theory to include measures of suspense for gambles that vary in the timing of uncertainty resolution. Our f$ sp t$-modification (of their theory) defines overall utility and suspense in terms of two functions: a standard utility function and an iterative function whose properties determine attitude towards temporal uncertainty resolution. Suspense, which is increasing with time delay to uncertainty resolution, is defined as the "variance" of the standard utilities of the outcome streams taken about our measure of overall utility (rather than about the standard mean utility). We explore the properties of our measures and their implications for the overall utility and suspense of various key examples. Two preliminary experiments are reported which give some support for our overall utility and suspense measures, and which suggest that risk and suspense are different concepts. Iteration theory is also discussed in some detail.

Crime rates dropped unexpectedly and dramatically in the 1990s. Chapter One describes this drop, and evaluates previous explanations for the decline. A theoretical and empirical link between crime and risk taking at the individual level is discussed, as is the methodology of a study to test whether such a link is observed at the aggregate level. Chapter Two describes the results of the study investigating the relationship of crime and risk taking at the aggregate level. Results indicate, for most measures, that a decline in non-criminal risky activities occurred in the 1990s, paralleling the decline in crime, and various cross-correlational analyses suggest rates of criminal and non-criminal risky activities tend of co-vary over time. Chapter Three describes a theoretical framework based on life history theory that can help to explain the causes of the crime and risk taking drop in the 1990s, and suggests future avenues of research. / viii, 82 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm

Adolescent refugees struggle to find an identity among conflicts between traditional values and beliefs that are taught at home and those of the new, larger society. Engaging in risk-taking behaviours that are not traditionally done in their country of origin is a possible consequence of the refugees' process of acculturation. The type and amount of risk-taking behaviours and level of acculturation among adolescent refugees from Southeast Asia (N = 76), Central America (N = 82), and their Quebec peers (N = 67) in grades 7 and 8, were examined. The Quebec group displayed the highest rates of alcohol and drug use, stealing, and violence. Central Americans had the highest rates of gang membership. Southeast Asians displayed the lowest total amount of risk-taking behaviours. Distinct profiles of the adolescents in each group emerged. Acculturation had no effect on the refugees' risk-taking activities. Family environment was a key determinant of risk-taking activities among Central American and Quebec adolescents. Socioeconomic status had a minor effect on risk-taking behaviours. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The risky behavior of males has been proposed to be a strategy to display the relative quality of men’s genes and increase their competitiveness in gaining access to a mate. Low mood, a constellation of depression symptoms with less severity than to warrant a Major Depressive Disorder diagnosis, has been proposed to be an adaptive strategy to reduce harm and conserve energy in the face of competition. It is hypothesized in this study that males’ strategy of gaining access to a mate through displaying risky behavior will result in higher perceptions of their own value as a mate and the value of their short-term and long-term mates. It is also hypothesized that men who engage in risky behavior to increase their competitiveness will display fewer low mood symptoms than those who do not engage in risky behavior. Two hundred forty men between the ages of 18-36 years completed decision problems assessing risk preference and aversion, the Mate Value Inventory, and the Depression-Dejection subscale of the Profile of Mood States-Short Form. The results of a MANOVA analysis suggest that there were no significant differences between risky and non-risky males on their perception of their own mate value, the value of their short-term or long-term mates, and on low mood. The discussion focuses on the possible reasons for the pattern of responses displayed by the participants and methodological concerns. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (M.A.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-123). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Thesis (M. P. H.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wyoming, 2005. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Nov. 14, 2007). Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-55).