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.