What is happening during adolescence?
Changes in the brain underpin many changes during adolescence as both complex abstract thought and maturity in decision-making develop. Research in developmental psychology and neuroscience reveals that during adolescence there is an imbalance between systems supporting reactivity and regulation. Prefrontal areas are still developing until late adolescence (>18–21 years), while hypersensitive reward systems have already evolved, creating a disparity between emotions and control. Behavioural economics has shown that risk-taking is not a simple process, and is not only affected by attitudes toward known risks but also by attitudes toward unknown or ambiguous situations, in which the likelihood of positive and negative outcomes are not known.6 It is not that adolescents choose to engage in risks, but, rather, they are willing to gamble when they lack complete knowledge. When adolescents meaningfully understand a risky situation, they are even more risk-averse than adults.6 In addition, adolescent decision-making typically occurs in busy environments that often involve complex motivations. Prominent motivations at this age, which can compete and conflict with one another, include maintaining status with peers, achieving goals in academic, athletic, or other areas, finding independence and maintaining harmony within the family.