Understanding the Needs Behind At-Risk Behaviors
Your Tool Description
At-Risk Behaviors
- At-risk behaviors rarely happen without a reason. While they may lead to unwanted outcomes, they often meet a real need in the moment. A young person might avoid school to escape embarrassment, use substances to cope with stress, or take risks to fit in with peers.
- Understanding the need behind an at-risk behavior does not excuse it or remove personal responsibility. Instead, it helps young people better understand themselves and the choices they make. This discussion guide helps youth workers move beyond simply asking, "How do we stop this behavior?" Together, you'll explore what needs at-risk behaviors may be meeting and discuss healthier options for how the same need could be met.
- Why It's Important: Young people are often encouraged to stop at-risk behaviors without first exploring why those behaviors make sense to them in the moment. By helping young people understand the needs behind their choices, youth workers can encourage greater self-awareness and growth in the young people they support. When young people understand the need behind a behavior, they're better prepared to choose healthier ways to meet that same need.
Discussion Tools
Build connection through trusting conversations
Have a question?
Click the Ask a Question button and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.
Your Skill-Building Objectives
Behavior Management
Encouraging behaviors that are better choices
Communication
Listening and speaking to deeply connect
Recognizing Risks
Identifying risks and ensuring safety
Related Learning Opportunities
People-Centered Leadership Certificate Course for Youth
4.4
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
The Art & Science of Youth Work certificate Course
4.9
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
Understanding Self-Sabotaging Behaviors
5.0
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
-
At-Risk Behaviors
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Youth Work
5.0
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
-
At-Risk Behaviors
Relationships, Girls, and Juvenile Justice Interventions
5.0
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
-
At-Risk Behaviors
Recognizing and Responding to At-Risk Behaviors
4.6
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
-
At-Risk Behaviors
Preventing At-Risk Behaviors
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
-
At-Risk Behaviors
Using Brain Science to Explain At-Risk Behaviors
Free to YIPA Members
-
Completion Certificate
-
100% Online Course
-
At-Risk Behaviors
