Men more likely to take risks when stressed
1 Jul 2009, 1133 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

* Education Directory * Exam Results * Who is Who * Information *Tutorials * Articles * Quote * Classified

Washington, July 1 Men under stress are more likely to take risks, correlating to such real-life behaviour as gambling, smoking, unsafe sex and illegal drug use, according to a new research.

On the other hand, stressed women moderate their behaviour and are less likely to make risky choices, the study found.

"Evolutionarily speaking, it's perhaps more beneficial for men to be aggressive in stressful, high-arousal situations when risk and reward are involved. Applied to financial risk taking, it's akin to competition for territory or other valuable resources," said Nichole Lighthall of the University of Southern California Davis School of Gerontology and lead author of the paper.

The researchers asked both sexes to play a game called 'the Balloon Analogue Risk Task'. The test involves inflating balloons to earn money.

In the control group in the study men and women displayed statistically the same levels of risk. However, in the stressed group, women were 30 per cent less likely to take a risk than a man.

"Men seem to enter more risky financial situations than women, which was part of the impetus for our study. But only in the stressed condition did we see any statistical differences in risky behaviour between men and women," Lighthall said.

"Obviously, there are situations in the real world where risky behavior would not be beneficial. Sometimes being conservative, thoughtful and taking it slow are good things," Lighthall said.

The study has been published July 1 in the journal PLoS One. (ANI)

Related Latest

'Optical biopsy' could take over invasive biopsies for breast cancer detection Madonna's film career refusing to take off "Day not far when Kashmir will be free": Sharif Congress-NCP negotiations settled, new Maharashtra Govt. to take oath on Saturday New Maharashtra Government likely tomorrow Disadvantaged teens with mentors twice as likely to attend college Man U's Evra vows to take revenge against 'biggest rival' Chelsea Soon, genetic test that can tell when a woman's biological clock will stop 'Iron' Mike Tyson loses cool when reminded of rape during live TV show Wayne, Coleen Rooney take baby boy Kai home

Related Latest

Chemicals used in industrial applications may affect cholesterol levels Now, video game that improves intelligence How to include aging population in the technology revolution Chemical that regulates circadian rhythm identified Here's how you can shoot the perfect free throw Meet Liam Gallagher, the footie star Gerard Butler desperate to remain true to his Scottish roots Thandie Newton fell in love with hubby at first sight Russell Brand tired of "Googling" himself Two police officers embark on bicycle rally to spread message of unity

• Now, video game that improves intelligence
• How to include aging population in the technology revolution
• Chemicals used in industrial applications may affect cholesterol levels
• Chemical that regulates circadian rhythm identified
• Here's how you can shoot the perfect free throw

• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights
• Nine tips for nine nights
• need new prevention tech for HIV, other STIs and UP
• "Good health is India's basic need": Easier said than done Mr Prime Minister!