ADOLESCENT BRAIN 1
AdolescentBrain
1. Scientistsacknowledge that certain areas of the brain develop earlier thanothers. For example, the amygdala matures quickly such thatadolescents can manifest aggressive behavior and fear (Albert, Chein,& Steinberg, 2013). On the other hand, the frontal cortexdevelops later than other areas. Notably, the latter region controlsrational thoughts. Since the frontal cortex continues maturing intoadulthood, it is expected that adolescents would display particularweaknesses. In fact, many teenagers are more likely to engage inirrational or impulsive behavior (Albert et al., 2013). Adolescentstend to react emotionally rather than think logically. Nevertheless,the increase in connections among brain cells contributes to thedevelopment of actions, thoughts, and behavior.
2. Adolescentdevelopment and behavior is also affected by social norms and peerpressure. For example, perceptions about ideal body shapes and sizesmay cause teenagers to change their mannerisms. In this regard, girlsmay be ridiculed for being taller than normal-sized females whileboys would feel awkward for being shorter than their peers. Thedesire to fit in with others has pressured many teenagers to conform(Albert et al., 2013). Consequently, adolescents may participate inunacceptable and unconventional behavior. The attitudes manifested byteenagers also testify to their fast physical growth and maturity.Hence, they are emboldened to engage in sexual activities with thoseof the opposite sex. The proliferation of social media has alsoexposed many adolescents to degrading entertainment in the form ofpornography. Such deviant attitudes have weakened the resolve of manyadolescents to avoid immoral conduct. The development and behavior ofteenagers also descend from family values. Parents have an indelibleimpact on their adolescent children. In fact, some teenagers haveadopted both virtuous and erroneous attitudes from adults within thefamily. Inevitably, parents who provide needed guidance anddiscipline are more likely to inspire their children to manifestacceptable behavior.
Reference
Albert, D., Chein, J., & Steinberg, L. (2013). The teenage brainpeer influences on adolescent decision making. Current directionsin psychological science, 22(2), 114-120.
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