Background. Risk-taking behavior is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
adolescence. In the context of decision theory and motivated (goal-directed) behavior, risk-
taking reflects a pattern of decision-making that favors the selection of courses of action with
uncertain and possibly harmful consequences. We present a triadic, neuroscience systems-
based model of adolescent decision-making. Method. We review the functional role and
neurodevelopmental findings of three key structures in the control of motivated behavior, ie …

Background Risk-taking behavior is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
adolescence. In the context of decision theory and motivated (goal-directed) behavior, risk-
taking reflects a pattern of decision-making that favors the selection of courses of action with
uncertain and possibly harmful consequences. We present a triadic, neuroscience systems
based model of adolescent decision-making. Method We review the functional role and
neurodevelopmental findings of three key structures in the control of motivated behavior, ie …