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Scientists may have
discovered why teens react the way they do. It is no surprise to
parents of teens that teens think and react differently than adults.
They are often quick to anger and also defensive. We used to think that
it was hormones, attitude, or just the need for independence. But
researchers, using MRI technology, have found that teens and adults use
different parts of the brain to process their emotions. Teens mostly use
the amygdala, a small region deep inside the brain that guides
instinctual or "gut" reactions, while the adults use the frontal cortex,
which governs reason and planning.
The young brain is developing is others ways too. By the age of six, the brain is 95 percent of its adult size. But the gray matter, or the thinking part of the brain, continues to thicken as the brain cells develop extra connections, much like a tree growing extra branches, twigs, and roots. The physical development of the front part of the brain peaks at about 11 or 12 years of age. As teens get older, the "emotion processing" is shifted toward the frontal cortex. After the peak, the gray matter thins as the excess (unused) connections are eliminated or pruned. The cells and connections that are used will survive and flourish. The cells that are not used will wither & die. In other words, use it or loose it. Because of this, it is important during the pre-teen and teen years to be involved in a variety of activities (i.e. sports, music, academics) in order to stimulate and help hard wire the various parts of brain.
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This
may help explain why the teen years are so turbulent. Not only do
the teens misread the expressions on adults' faces, they react strongly
from the instinctual, primitive part of the brain. Because
the rational frontal cortex is not fully developed, teens' behavior is
governed more by reactions than rational thought. The researchers
also suggest that it is the immature brain that leads to impulsivity and
risk taking behavior.
During this time of
development, the brain can be compared to a work of art in progress. So
as parents, teachers, and friends, we need to remember that teens are
still learning and developing and therefore need our patience, guidance
and encouragement. It is truly at this point in their lives that they
are becoming individuals.
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