Metacognition, risk behavior, and risk outcomes: the role of perceived intelligence and perceived knowledge

Health Psychol. 2005 Mar;24(2):161-70. doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.161.

Abstract

The present study explores 2 key variables in social metacognition: perceived intelligence and perceived levels of knowledge about a specific content domain. The former represents a judgment of one's knowledge at an abstract level, whereas the latter represents a judgment of one's knowledge in a specific content domain. Data from interviews of approximately 8,411 female adolescents from a national sample were analyzed in a 2-wave panel design with a year between assessments. Higher levels of perceived intelligence at Wave 1 were associated with a lower probability of the occurrence of a pregnancy over the ensuing year independent of actual IQ, self-esteem, and academic aspirations. Higher levels of perceived knowledge about the accurate use of birth control were associated with a higher probability of the occurrence of a pregnancy independent of actual knowledge about accurate use, perceived intelligence, self-esteem, and academic aspirations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Adolescent
  • Aspirations, Psychological
  • Cognition*
  • Contraception Behavior
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intelligence*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Concept*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Social Perception*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires