The Teenage Brain

Abstract

Research efforts to account for elevated risk behavior among adolescents have arrived at an exciting new stage. Moving beyond laboratory studies of age differences in “cool” cognitive processes related to risk perception and reasoning, new approaches have shifted focus to the influence of social and emotional factors on adolescent neurocognition. We review recent research suggesting that adolescent risk-taking propensity derives in part from a maturational gap between early adolescent remodeling of the brain's socio-emotional reward system and a gradual, prolonged strengthening of the cognitive control system. At a time when adolescents spend an increasing amount of time with their peers, research suggests that peer-related stimuli may sensitize the reward system to respond to the reward value of risky behavior. As the cognitive control system gradually matures over the course of the teenage years, adolescents grow in their capacity to coordinate affect and cognition, and to exercise self-regulation even in emotionally arousing situations. These capacities are reflected in gradual growth in the capacity to resist peer influence.

Antisocial peer affiliation and externalizing disorders in the transition from adolescence to young adulthood: Selection versus socialization effects.

“…This is consistent with studies demonstrating that individuals often become more resistant to antisocial peers over time (Albert, Chein, & Steinberg, 2013; Gardner & Steinberg, 2005; Sumter, Bokhorst, Steinberg, & Westenberg, 2009) and fits with developmental theory suggesting that people are more likely to actively select environments as they reach adulthood, in part because of increasing freedom to do so (Scarr & McCartney, 1983). …”

“…This is supported by prior research, which has evidenced both socialization and selection in earlier adolescent periods (e.g., Curran et al, 1997; van Ryzin & Dishion, 2014). Moreover, there is research to support the notion that peer influence may be even more important to adolescent development in early rather than middle or late adolescence (Albert, Chein, & Steinberg, 2013; Gardner & Steinberg, 2005; Sumter, Bokhorst, Steinberg, & Westenberg, 2009). It will also be important for future research to take advantage of multiple measurements of antisocial peer affiliation to determine whether that may have impacted results.…”

Preparing home visitors to partner with families of infants and toddlers

“…It is obvious that home visitors must have deep knowledge about infant-toddler development, but just as essential is knowledge about the entire life span, including the development of parents, whether they are adults or adolescents. Home visitors who work with adolescent parents need to understand this developmental period of serious reflection on one's own identity, strong susceptibility to peer influence (Albert, Chein, & Steinberg, 2013), a still-developing ability to think flexibly (Commons & Richards, 2002), and the challenges of parenting when they themselves have not yet reached maturity (Ispa & Halgunseth, 2006).…”

Adolescents’ Daily Worries and Risky Behaviors: The Buffering Role of Support Seeking

“…Considerable research on the adolescent brain with respect to risk-taking shows heightened sensitivity to reward (Galván, 2013), particularly social rewards (Albert, Chein, & Steinberg, 2013), and less mature cognitive control systems (Casey & Caudle, 2013). Adolescent brains thus are programmed, through normative changes, to promote experimentation and social connectedness and, accordingly, risky behaviors can accrue significant benefits—on mood, peer acceptance, and self-image.…”