 |
|
Surprising results in teen study: adolescent risky behavior may signal mature brain
August 26, 2009A new study using brain imaging to study teen behavior indicates that adolescents who engage in dangerous activities have frontal white matter tracts that are more adult in form than their more conservative peers.
The brain goes through a course of maturation during adolescence and does not reach its adult form until the mid-twenties. A long-standing theory of adolescent behavior has assumed that this delayed brain maturation is the cause of impulsive and dangerous decisions in adolescence. The new study, using a new form of brain imaging, calls into question this theory.
In order to better understand the relationship between high risk-taking and the brain's development, Emory University and Emory School of Medicine neuroscientists used a form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure structural changes in white matter in the brain. The study's findings are published in the Aug. 26, 2009 PLoS ONE.
"In the past, studies have focused on the pattern of gray matter density from childhood to early adulthood, says Gregory Berns, MD, PhD, principal investigator and professor of Psychiatry and Neuroeconomics at Emory University and director of the Center for Neuropolicy. "With new technology, we were able to develop the first study looking at how development of white matter relates to activities in the real world."
Gray matter is the part of the brain made up of neurons, while white matter connects neurons to each other. As the brain matures, white matter becomes denser and more organized. Gray matter and white matter follow different trajectories. Both are important for understanding brain function.
The study enrolled 91adolescents ages 12 through 18 over a three-year period. Levels of engagement in dangerous behaviors were measured by a survey that included questions about the teens' thrill seeking behaviors, reckless behaviors, rebellious behaviors and antisocial behaviors. DTI was used to measure corresponding structural changes in white matter.
"We were surprised to discover that risk-taking was associated with more highly-developed white matter - a more mature brain," says Berns. "We were also surprised to learn that except for slightly higher scores in risk-taking, there was no significant difference in the maturity of the white matter between males and females."
Berns suggests that doing adult-like activities requires sophisticated skills.
"Society is a lot different now than it was 100 years ago when teens were expected to go to work and raise a family," says Berns. "Now, adolescents aren't expected to act like adults until they are in their twenties, when they have finished their education and found a career.
"You could make the case that in this country, biological capacity shows up long before the wisdom that comes with time is fully developed," notes Berns.
Berns says more studies need to be done to determine if early brain development predisposes someone to engage in risky behaviors, or if the risky behavior drives the maturation of the brain.
The CDC reports that, 27,000 people between the ages of 10 and 24 die from bad decisions in the United States per year. Additionally, it has been shown that the period of mid-adolescence (ages 15 through 19) is the time when teens are more likely to begin high-risk behaviors such as drinking, abusing drugs or driving recklessly.
Emory University
"In the past, studies have focused on the pattern of gray matter density from childhood to early adulthood, says Gregory Berns, MD, PhD, principal investigator and professor of Psychiatry and Neuroeconomics at Emory University and director of the Center for Neuropolicy. "With new technology, we were able to develop the first study looking at how development of white matter relates to activities in the real world."
Gray matter is the part of the brain made up of neurons, while white matter connects neurons to each other. As the brain matures, white matter becomes denser and more organized. Gray matter and white matter follow different trajectories. Both are important for understanding brain function.
The study enrolled 91adolescents ages 12 through 18 over a three-year period. Levels of engagement in dangerous behaviors were measured by a survey that included questions about the teens' thrill seeking behaviors, reckless behaviors, rebellious behaviors and antisocial behaviors. DTI was used to measure corresponding structural changes in white matter.
"We were surprised to discover that risk-taking was associated with more highly-developed white matter - a more mature brain," says Berns. "We were also surprised to learn that except for slightly higher scores in risk-taking, there was no significant difference in the maturity of the white matter between males and females."
Berns suggests that doing adult-like activities requires sophisticated skills.
"Society is a lot different now than it was 100 years ago when teens were expected to go to work and raise a family," says Berns. "Now, adolescents aren't expected to act like adults until they are in their twenties, when they have finished their education and found a career.
"You could make the case that in this country, biological capacity shows up long before the wisdom that comes with time is fully developed," notes Berns.
Berns says more studies need to be done to determine if early brain development predisposes someone to engage in risky behaviors, or if the risky behavior drives the maturation of the brain.
The CDC reports that, 27,000 people between the ages of 10 and 24 die from bad decisions in the United States per year. Additionally, it has been shown that the period of mid-adolescence (ages 15 through 19) is the time when teens are more likely to begin high-risk behaviors such as drinking, abusing drugs or driving recklessly.
Emory University
Behavior Current Events and Behavior News RSSWomen Can Quit Smoking and Control Weight Gain
Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses the appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism.
Shifting blame is socially contagious
Merely observing someone publicly blame an individual in an organization for a problem - even when the target is innocent - greatly increases the odds that the practice of blaming others will spread with the tenacity of the H1N1 flu, according to new research from the USC Marshall School of Business and Stanford University.
Cognitive dysfunction reversed in mouse model of Down syndrome
A study by neuroscientist William C. Mobley, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues at Stanford University Medical School has demonstrated a possible new approach to slowing the inevitable progression of cognitive decline found in Down's syndrome.
Scientists Unravel Evolution of Highly Toxic Box Jellyfish
With thousands of stinging cells that can emit deadly venom from tentacles that can reach ten feet in length, the 50 or so species of box jellyfish have long been of interest to scientists and to the public. Yet little has been known about the evolution of this early branch in the animal tree of life.
Full recovery now possible for an 'untreatable' mental illness
Patients coping with the chaos and misery of Borderline Personality Disorder now have reason for strong confidence in making major life changes through a new treatment, Schema Therapy.
New study confirms exotic electric properties of graphene
First, it was the soccer-ball-shaped molecules dubbed buckyballs. Then it was the cylindrically shaped nanotubes. Now, the hottest new material in physics and nanotechnology is graphene: a remarkably flat molecule made of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings much like molecular chicken wire.
To eat or not to eat? Mental budgets help control consumption
If you feel like you're in a losing battle with a triple-chocolate cake, a "mental budget" can help, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Talking to ourselves: How consumers navigate choices and inner conflict
From simple decisions like "Should I eat this brownie?" to bigger questions such as "Should my next car be a hybrid?" consumers are involved in an inner dialogue that reflects thoughts and perspectives of their different selves, according to the authors of a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Berkeley Researchers Take the Lead Out of Piezoelectrics
There is good news for the global effort to reduce the amount of lead in the environment and for the growing array of technologies that rely upon the piezoelectric effect.
MIT scientists pinpoint origin of dissolved arsenic in Bangladesh drinking water
Researchers in MIT's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering believe they have pinpointed a pathway by which arsenic may be contaminating the drinking water in Bangladesh, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists, world health agencies and the Bangladeshi government for nearly 30 years.
More Behavior Current Events and Behavior News Articles
 |
The Behavior Survival Guide for Kids: How to Make Good Choices and Stay Out of Trouble by Thomas McIntyre (Editor) Kids who are labeled BD (or ED, EBD, or SED) struggle every day—with their peers, teachers, parents, and themselves. It’s no fun to be labeled, and nobody wants to have behavior problems. Often, however, kids who get in trouble a lot don’t know how else to act. This book can help them improve their behavior and their lives. Modeled after our best-selling SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS WITH LD, THE BEHAVIOR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS guides readers to better understand themselves and the problems their behavior creates. "Dr. Mac" describes what BD is (and isn’t), the types and causes of BD, and special school programs for kids with BD. He suggests many strategies kids can use to handle strong feelings and make positive choices. Stories and quotes from real kids let readers know they’re... |
 |
If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do? by Sandra McLeod Humphrey (Author), Brian Strassburg (Illustrator) This is an interactive book about moral choices for children 6-12. There are 25 stories about moral dilemmas and the reader is asked what he or she would do in that situation. Each story is also followed by thought questions which stimulate great discussions both in the home and in the classroom. The stories are fun for the kids to read and they get them thinking and talking about important moral issues. The book has received excellent reviews and is a wonderful resource for both the home and the classroom. |
 |
Feet Are Not for Kicking (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) by Elizabeth Verdick (Author), Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator) "Look at those feet! Aren't they sweet?" Yes-when they're walking, standing, leaping, and landing. And when they're kicking balls or leaves. But not when they're kicking people! In simple words and charming full-color illustrations, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents and caregivers on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet. Change age or reading level to: Baby-Preschool. |
 |
Behavior. by Pet Shop Boys Pet Shop Boys, Behavior |
 |
Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series) by Elizabeth Verdick (Author), Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator) The older children get, the more words they know and can use-including hurtful words. This book teaches children to think before they speak, then choose what to say and how to say it. They learn that there is a connection between hurtful words and feelings of anger, sadness, and regret. They explore positive ways to respond when others say mean or unkind words to them. And they discover the importance of saying "I'm sorry," two little words that can be a big help. Includes activities and discussion starters that parents, caregivers, and educators can use when working with children. Change the page count to 40 pp. Add the age range of Ages 4-7. |
 |
School Rules (Rookie Choices) by Larry Dane Brimner (Author), Christine Tripp (Illustrator) Alex, Three J, Gabby, and their classmates decide on rules of behavior so that the class can work well together. |
 |
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series) by Martine Agassi (Author), Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator) It’s never too soon for children to learn that violence is never okay, hands can do many good things, and everyone is capable of positive, loving actions. In this bright, inviting, durable board book, simple words and full-color illustrations teach these important concepts in ways even very young children can understand. Created in response to requests from parents, preschool teachers, and childcare providers, this book belongs everywhere young children are. |
 |
Behavior by Pet Shop Boys Pet Shop Boys, Behavior |
 |
Redirecting Children's Behavior by Kathryn J. Kvols (Author), Bill Riedler (Author), Parenting Press (Author) |
 |
Disturbing Behavior Starring: James Marsden, Katie Holmes, Nick Stahl, Tobias Mehler, Steve Railsback Directed By: David Nutter Also With: Armyan Bernstein (Producer), Brent O'Connor (Producer), C.O. Erickson (Producer), Elisabeth Seldes (Producer), Jonathan Shestack (Producer), Max Wong (Producer), Scott Rosenberg (Writer) Hot stars James Marsden ("Bella Mafia"), Katie Holmes ("Dawson's Creek") and Nick Stahl (The Thin Red Line) set the screen ablaze in this breathlessly fast-paced jolt-fest from veteran "X-Files" director David Nutter. Written by Scott Rosenburg (Con-Air) and featuring a hip soundtrackfrom the hottest bands around, this "clutch-your-armrest thriller" (Teen People) will pull you into the undercurrent of a deranged high school cliqueand drag you away screaming! Achieve, be excellent...and be afraid. For when the esteemed Blue Ribbon club of Cradle Bay High take their slogans too far, things in the small coastal town begin to go wrong. Dead wrong. And when a "dark sinister force" begins turning the school's curricularly challenged into the soulless, academic elitethree "outsiders" join in a... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |