PSYC 290 Week 4 The Adolescent Brain Handout

PSYC 290 Week 4 The Adolescent Brain Handout

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-290 Lifespan Development

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Date

The Development of the Adolescent Brain

During adolescence, significant changes occur in the brain, especially when puberty begins. One noticeable change is the heightened emotional state that many teens experience, as they become more impulsive and reactive in their behavior. These changes are attributed to the development of the Limbic system, which matures faster than the Prefrontal cortex. The Limbic system is responsible for emotional processing, which explains why teens may act with intense emotions and sudden reactions. Meanwhile, the Prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and decision-making, continues to develop into young adulthood. As a result, teens often struggle with impulse control and decision-making, a phase that is part of their normal journey through puberty (Santrock, 2019).

As parents and guardians, the challenge lies in helping teens navigate this tumultuous period. The question then arises: How can we help our teens manage their emotional states, impulses, and overall behavior? One approach is fostering behavioral control through open communication. This involves listening to the teen, offering support, and providing guidance as they navigate their emotional ups and downs. It’s also crucial to monitor their social interactions and peer influences, as these can significantly impact their behavior. Paying attention to their social media activities and their interactions with friends can provide important insights into their emotional and behavioral development. Additionally, helping teens develop judgment-making skills can aid the development of the Prefrontal cortex, allowing them to make better decisions as they mature (Arain et al., 2013).

PSYC 290 Week 4 The Adolescent Brain Handout

Another essential component in a teen’s development is self-regulation, which remains a work in progress during adolescence. This is the stage where teens are more likely to take risks, often without fully considering the consequences. As parents, it’s vital to support them in making logical and informed choices, as these decisions can significantly impact their future. By offering guidance, rather than taking control, parents help their teens learn to make better decisions independently, ultimately preparing them for adulthood. Giving teens the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them is an essential part of their growth process, as it encourages responsibility and maturity (Arain et al., 2013).

Table: Key Concepts in Adolescent Brain Development

References

Arain, M., Haque, M., Johal, L., Mathur, P., Nel, W., Rais, A., … Sharma, S. (2013). Maturation of the adolescent brain. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 9, 449–461. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S39776

PSYC 290 Week 4 The Adolescent Brain Handout

Santrock, J. W. (2019). Life-span Development (17th ed.). Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260166323/cfi/6/6