A study explored a number of variables related to the health decision making of 43 ninth grade students from Montana and New York. Students filled out a questionnaire which had them first read a short drinking and driving scenario and then answer questions which asked them to: (1) make a decision; (2) report how long they would take to make their decision; (3) discuss the impact that stress would have on that decision; and (4) report on future health decisions. Mean scores for each study variable were calculated and comparisons made between Health-Promoting Decision Makers (HPDM) and Health-Risky Decision Makers (HRDM). There were statistically significant differences between HPDM's and HRDM's on three study variables: (1) future decisions on premarital sexual behavior; (2) future decisions on drinking and driving; and (3) degree of reflection over the health decision. Regardless of the decision made by students, their reported cognitions during the making of that decision were overwhelmingly social in nature. Recommendations for health curriculum planners and school health researchers are presented in conjunction with suggestions for potential future investigations in this area. (JMK)