TITLE

What neuroscience tells us about the teenage brain

DESCRIPTION

This is a fascinating article that focuses on a newer field of developmental neuroscience.  New research on  the developing adolescent brain provides a vastly innovative perspective on what is a fresh understanding of teen behavior.  “For years, the teenage brain was seen by researchers, policymakers, and the public as more of a burden than an asset. Adolescents were risk machines who lacked the decision-making powers of a fully developed prefrontal cortex—and liable to harm themselves and others as a result. That narrative is beginning to change.  There is growing recognition that what was previously seen as immaturity is actually a cognitive, behavioral, and neurological flexibility that allows teens to explore and adapt to their shifting inner and outer worlds.”  The article highlights the following areas:  brain development, neuroscience, adolescent development both cognitively and behaviorally, relationships with peers and parents, and issues of mental health.  The article also discusses how future research will further elucidate the developing brain, and it’s relationship to our understanding in Psychology.

The article is both available as text and audio.

SOURCE

APA Monitor, July 1, 2022, Vol. 53, No. 5, p66 by Zara Abrams

LINK TO RESOURCE 

(Both text and audio are available at the website.)

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/07/feature-neuroscience-teen-brain

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/yc5rt9jd

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•(Most difficult question) How have the approaches to studying the adolescent (teen) brain changed?   What research methodologies are now employed that differ from previous (older) studies?

•According to the research:  How should be understand the adolescent in terms of mental health and risk taking?

•How does the new research demonstrate a different perspective when studying parent and peer relationships?

•(Advance Psychology Question) Developmental Psychologists often see aspects of development as either quantitive linear change or qualitative stage change.  According to the article, which view would provide a more optimal understand of the development of an adolescent?