Society's Changing Definition of Adulthood

Dr. Greg Berns talks about the way society has changed its definition of adulthood over time. 100 years ago, a 15-year-old would be consider grown up and ready to fend for himself. These days some 25-year-old are still treated and acting like teenagers.

Background

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. The study enrolled 91 adolescents 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."

For More Information

Risky Behavior in Adolescents May Signal Mature Brain (Press Release, 8/26/09)
http://whsc.emory.edu/home/news/releases/2009/08/risky-behavior-in-adolescent...

PLoS Journal Article: "Adolescent Engagement in Dangerous Behaviors Is Associated with Increased White Matter Maturing of Frontal Cortex"
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0006773

Greg Berns on "Sound Science"

http://www.whsc.emory.edu/soundscience/2008/berns.html

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• teens
• teenagers
• adolescents
• adolescence
• teen brain
• psychology
• decision-making
• maturity
• emory university
• adulthood
• delayed adulthood
• prolonged adolescence

[blondeshavemorefun16]

i believe maturity is mental growth and puberty is physical growth

[kaunhumein1]

Top secret Adults think of one decision they focus on it. They think about their future life & family its important to have a goal achive it. The are strong self confidence. Believe me in Asia countries like India families grow as like older ppl follow teens so shameful.They do not understant western thinking instead of that its better to grow cultural way follow it e.g. yoga & sun prayer hindu culture. Any person in this world can sit meditate for long time in one place.

[kaunhumein1]

I agree with the vedio.loved it :)

[redSHIFT69]

cognitive ability is thought to peak in the early 20's. yet, you can't run for President of the United States until you are 35. (way past your cognitive prime)

[jchien]

Doesn't the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for forethought, future oriented thinking, higher mental functioning and judgment, fully mature only after early 20s?