Adolescent Brain Development: The “Why” Behind the Behavior
(Sources: “Teens’ Brains” by
Matt Crenson, reprinted in The Advocate, Spring 2001 newsletter by the Adolescent Pregnancy
Prevention Coalition; “Every Teenager Needs an Adult to Trust” by Barabara Meltz of the Boston
Globe, printed in the
Remember when scientists were
convinced that a child’s brain was fully developed by age 5? Experts thought the brain’s wiring was
complete and all “wires” connected, with only the learning process
remaining. We were certain then that
adolescent risk-taking and impulsive behaviors were the result of “raging
hormones.”
We now know better, thanks to modern
imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positive
Emission Tomography (PET). Indeed, the
brain continues to grow as children develop, well into those teenage
years. Now neuroscientists understand
there is a biological-developmental reason behind the behavior.
1.
What does this mean with respect to adolescent behavior?
It explains adolescent mood swings and their need for a lot of
sleep. It helps clarify why teens often
engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking, drug abuse, and careless
driving. Their brains are not fully
developed so they are not as careful or thoughtful in what they choose to do.
2.
Which part of the brain is involved?
The area of the brain that controls social behavior and impulsive
activity, the prefrontal cortex, is largely involved. The prefrontal cortex controls what we call
“executive functioning” such as: planning, prioritizing, and organizing.” It also controls impulsivity. This explains why teenagers are so vulnerable
to drug and alcohol abuse. They often
make poor choices on a social and personal level. They do not handle peer pressure as well as
adults. Their brains are still in a
state of development, not fully developed until sometime between the ages of 17
and 20. Because of this, teens are still
learning how to assess risks.
3.
Are there implications for teens and the society they live in?
Yes. All of this explains why
teens are more likely to become victims of crime. They are more vulnerable. Also, 25% of those with HIV contract it
before age 21. Most importantly, the
leading cause of death among teens is accidents. 6500 teens between the ages of 15 and 19 died
as a result of accidents in 1998. The
second leading cause was homicide with 2311 deaths, followed by suicide with
1737 deaths.
4.
What does this brain research tell us about teens and addiction to alcohol or
cigarettes?
Most alcoholics and smokers get started as adolescents. Their brains are more vulnerable to poor
choices and to addiction. Researchers at
UNC conducted a study with mice to test the sensitivity of the teenage brain to
addiction. The scientists found more
brain damage in the adolescent than in the adult brain. There was also more damage to teen brains in
the area associated with addiction.
Researchers at
5.
What do we as parents, teachers, and mental health professionals need to learn
from this information?
Psychologists give us several good ideas. First, parents should avoid angry
confrontations whenever a teen exercises poor judgment. Chances are, the teen is already feeling
pretty disappointed with his or herself.
An angry response just offers up a diversion. Instead, be calm and practice restraint. Secondly, parents and care-givers need to be
available. Find times when your teen is
most likely to be free to talk. Thirdly,
apologize after over-reacting.
Demonstrate humility. Fourth,
listen carefully, even when your teen seems to go on and on. There is most likely an important hidden
message there. A fourth suggestion
involves facilitating your teen’s access to other adults. This provides a “safety net,” and could be a
teacher, nurse, coach, or guidance counselor at school.
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Fax:
312-563-0467