This study aimed to investigate the relationship between security and positive risk-taking of college students, as well as the mediating role of life history strategy and the moderating role of reward sensitivity. A convenience sampling method was used to conduct the survey among 1474 college students, using the Security Questionnaire, the Mini-K Scale, the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) Scale, and the Positive Risk-Taking Behavior Questionnaire. The results showed that: (1) Security significantly and positively predicted positive risk-taking, and life history strategy partially mediated this association; (2) Reward sensitivity moderated the latter half of the mediation path. Specifically, reward sensitivity significantly and positively moderated the link between life history strategy and positive risk-taking. These findings elucidate the mechanism through which security influences positive risk-taking in college students, enriching the research on the determinants of positive risk-taking.

college students, security, positive risk-taking, life history strategy, reward sensitivity