Eyes on the Edge: Role of Negativity Attentional Bias in Risk- Taking Among Indian Young Adults Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are proven to be linked with risk-taking behaviours in individuals of various ages. However, evidence on the factors facilitating this relationship is limited, especially in the Indian context. This study examines whether negativity attentional bias predicts risk-taking in Indian young adults, aged 18-25 years with ACEs, along with relationships between the three variables. A total of 164 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and the data was collected using Google Forms. Spearman correlation and M-estimator robust regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed negativity attentional bias as a significant predictor of risk-taking behaviours. Additionally, severity of ACEs was found to be significantly related to risk-taking behaviours, with peer and community violence being major predictors. These findings contribute to the understanding of cognitive and behavioural factors impacted by childhood adversity and emphasise on targeted interventions to mitigate risk associated with them.