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Decision making and the adolescent brain
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Decision making and the adolescent brain

Understanding Adolescent Brain Development

The Role of the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex

  • The human brain develops from bottom to top, with significant changes occurring during adolescence in two key areas: the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.
  • The amygdala is known as the "emotional brain," responsible for emotions, impulses, and instinctive behavior.
  • In contrast, the prefrontal cortex is referred to as the "thinking brain," overseeing executive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and judgment.

Developmental Timeline

  • The prefrontal cortex is one of the last parts of the brain to fully develop, typically reaching maturity by a person's mid-20s.
  • Conversely, the amygdala matures earlier than the prefrontal cortex. This developmental gap leads to a disconnect between emotional responses and rational thinking during adolescence.

Implications for Decision-Making

  • Adolescents often make decisions driven more by their emotional brain (amygdala) rather than their rational brain (prefrontal cortex), leading adults to perceive these choices as impulsive or poorly thought out.
  • Young people can recognize risks but tend to prioritize potential rewards over risks; this behavior is crucial for their growth and independence through trial and error.
Video description

Adolescence is a key period of learning and growth. From around age 10 through to around age 25, young peoples’ brains are maturing and developing. This short video helps to explain why young people’s decision making may be seen by adults as risky, impulsive, poorly thought out, or driven by emotion.