That the brain is essentially “hardwired” by adolescence? Is it true ?
That the brain is essentially “hardwired” by adolescence? Is it true ?
Introduction
Adults have more activity in their frontal lobes when processing emotions than teenagers, according to the researchers. Adults also have lesser amygdala activation than teenagers. In fact, as teenagers grow older, their brain activity appears to migrate away from the amygdala and toward the frontal lobes.
The findings of the McLean study reveal that whereas adults can employ rational decision-making processes when faced with emotional dilemmas, adolescents' brains are just not equipped to do so. When selecting whether or not to ride in a car driven by a drunk buddy, for example, an adult can typically put her need to conform aside and make the reasonable decision to avoid drunk driving.
The fact that brain changes continue during adolescence contradicts several prevalent notions that our brains are hardwired from adolescence. Instead, these brain imaging studies imply that adolescence might be viewed as a "second chance" to improve behavioral control and logical decision-making.
Teenagers with behavioral or mental issues may find some solace in these findings. Because the brain's decision-making centers continue to grow well into the early twenties, disturbed teenagers may still have the time and physiology to learn how to regulate their impulsive impulses.
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps
