Abstract

RAPOSO, Hélder. Risk and performance consumptions among young people: Between conceptions and practices. Rev. Port. Sau. Pub. [online]. 2016, vol.34, n.2, pp.186-195. ISSN 0870-9025.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpsp.2016.05.003.

Objectives This article discusses the emerging reality of the new therapeutic investments through medications and/or natural products for purposes of mental/cognitive and/or physical/body performance management (designated herein as performance consumptions) among the Portuguese youth (aged 18‐29). Methodology The sociological analysis of the empirical data results from the application of a questionnaire to a national survey (n = 1483). From the set of questionnaire indicators applied, those that are specifically mobilized consist of the perceptions of risk associated with these consumptions; the grading of risk given to different therapeutic resources for performance purposes; and the experience (and management) of risk and efficacy of actual consumption practices. Results Although the positions regarding the risk of performance consumptions do point out the appreciation of safety, there are specific variations and differentiations that not only indicate permeabilities and predispositions towards consumption, but also conceptions that are redefined due to the actual practices, circumstances and purposes of the consumptions, as well as to the contexts in which those consumptions occur. Conclusion Conceptions of the risk associated with these intakes translate a certain social plasticity in the sense that anchoring experience and familiarity with own consumption constitute aspects as decisive for the perception of a greater control on risk management. It is therefore important to further knowledge about the contextual specificities of juvenile segments which are built forms of practical risk management and efficacy associated with these consumptions.

Keywords : Risk; Youth; Performance consumptions.

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