A Neuroecosocial Perspective on Adolescent Development

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of life that encompasses biological maturation and profound change in social roles. It is also a period associated with the onset of mental health problems. The field of developmental cognitive neuroscience has advanced our understanding of the development of the brain within its immediate social and cultural context. In a time of rising rates of mental health problems among adolescents across the globe, it is important to understand how the wider societal, structural, and cultural contexts of young people are impacting their biological and social-cognitive maturation. In this article, we review the landscape of youth mental health and brain development during adolescence and consider the potential role of brain research in understanding the effects of current social determinants of adolescent mental health, including socioeconomic inequality, city living, and eco-anxiety about the climate crisis. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, Volume 5 is December 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

From developmental neuroscience to policy: A novel framework based on participatory research

“…Adolescent mental health is a well-researched topic in developmental neuroscience. However, the current generation of adolescents is confronted with complex societal challenges, which forces them to navigate in a rapidly changing society ( Choudhury et al, 2023 ). Despite the major research focus on adolescent mental health, less is known about how societal challenges, such as performance pressure and growing social inequalities, affect mental health and associated youth-oriented policies.…”

“…Additionally, we discuss why adolescents are particularly suited to inform science and policy, and we discuss how active participation could simultaneously enhance their sense of belonging and well-being. We illustrate this approach within the context of two societal challenges through which the current generation of youth must navigate: performance pressure and social inequality ( Choudhury, 2023 ). Thus, the aim of the current review is three-folded: 1) to highlight why adolescents are suited for this role, 2) to illustrate how adolescents can actively be involved in research and policy processes, and 3) to reflect on what the additional value of youth engaged research could be for developmental neuroscience research, particularly their lived experiences as crucial elements for informing scientific designs and for the translation of neuroscientific findings to policy.…”

“…3 ). Adolescents who are growing up in socioeconomic disadvantaged environments are at risk for mental health issues, both on the short-and long-term ( Choudhury et al, 2023 , Evans and Kim, 2013 , Reiss, 2013 , Patel et al, 2018 ). For example, research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that especially in times of need adolescents living in low-income families – who are facing multiple systemic barriers – are disproportionally hit in their mental health and well-being compared to their more privileged peers ( Magson et al, 2020 ; Green et al, 2023 ; Stevens et al, 2023 ).…”