biostudies-literatureJepma MDutch Research Council (NWO)6490https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9021244biostudies-literatureUnknown12(1)Adolescence is characterized by a surge in maladaptive risk-taking behaviors, but whether and how this relates to developmental changes in experience-based learning is largely unknown. In this preregistered study, we addressed this issue using a novel task that allowed us to separate the learning-driven optimization of risky choice behavior over time from overall risk-taking tendencies. Adolescents (12-17 years old) learned to dissociate advantageous from disadvantageous risky choices less well than adults (20-35 years old), and this impairment was stronger in early than mid-late adolescents. Computational modeling revealed that adolescents' suboptimal performance was largely due to an inefficiency in core learning and choice processes. Specifically, adolescents used a simpler, suboptimal,Scientific reportsImpaired learning to dissociate advantageous and disadvantageous risky choices in adolescents.PMC9021244453-12-005Huizenga HMJepma MSchaaf JVVisser IfalseImpaired learning to dissociate advantageous and disadvantageous risky choices in adolescents.Adolescence is characterized by a surge in maladaptive risk-taking behaviors, but whether and how this relates to developmental changes in experience-based learning is largely unknown. In this preregistered study, we addressed this issue using a novel task that allowed us to separate the learning-driven optimization of risky choice behavior over time from overall risk-taking tendencies. Adolescents (12-17 years old) learned to dissociate advantageous from disadvantageous risky choices less well than adults (20-35 years old), and this impairment was stronger in early than mid-late adolescents. Computational modeling revealed that adolescents' suboptimal performance was largely due to an inefficiency in core learning and choice processes. Specifically, adolescents used a simpler, suboptimal,2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Apr2025-04-05T00:29:12.402Z2025-04-05T00:29:12.402ZS-EPMC90212443544377310.1038/s41598-022-10100-7