Why are teenagers more likely to make rash decisions and not be able to control impulses than adults?
(1 point)
• All of their organs are growing.
• Their hormones slow down their brain.
• Their prefrontal cortex is being rewired.
• Their amygdala has not been developed yet.
Their prefrontal cortex is being rewired.
The correct answer is: Their prefrontal cortex is being rewired.
During adolescence, teenagers undergo significant brain development, especially in the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for reasoning, decision-making, and impulse control. This rewiring process can result in increased impulsivity and difficulty in controlling impulses compared to adults.
The correct answer is: Their prefrontal cortex is being rewired.
Teenagers are more likely to make rash decisions and struggle with impulse control compared to adults because their prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is still undergoing significant development and rewiring during adolescence.
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for complex cognitive functions such as reasoning, planning, and self-control. It helps individuals consider the consequences of their actions, weigh potential risks, make informed decisions, and control impulsive behaviors.
During adolescence, there is a process called synaptic pruning taking place in the brain, where weak neural connections are eliminated, and stronger connections are reinforced. This process helps refine and optimize brain function. The prefrontal cortex is one area that experiences extensive synaptic pruning during this period.
As a result, the prefrontal cortex in teenagers is still maturing, and the connections between different brain regions involved in decision-making and impulse control are not yet fully developed. This can lead to impulsivity, increased risk-taking behavior, and difficulty controlling impulses.
While other factors, such as hormones and the development of other brain structures like the amygdala, may also contribute to the behavior of teenagers, the primary reason for their tendency to make rash decisions and struggle with impulse control is the ongoing rewiring of the prefrontal cortex.