PSY 252 Module 06: Adolescent & Adult Brain Development
Overview
This lecture focuses on the developmental changes in the brain during adolescence and adulthood.
Key areas include structural and functional brain changes and their implications on behavior and cognition.
Adolescent Brain Development
Structural Changes
Synaptic Pruning: Reduction of synapses in the brain for more efficient processing.
Myelination: Increase in myelin sheaths around axons, improving signal transmission speed.
Prefrontal Cortex Development: Notable because the prefrontal cortex is associated with decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning.
Functional Changes
Increased Risk-taking: Linked to the ongoing maturation of the prefrontal cortex.
Heightened Emotional Responses: Greater limbic system activity can influence emotional regulation.
Hormonal Influences
Changes in hormones like testosterone and estrogen affect brain structure and function.
Adult Brain Development
Structural Changes
Continued Myelination: Though less pronounced than during adolescence, myelination continues into adulthood.
Volume Changes: Certain brain regions may decrease in volume, affecting cognitive functions.
Functional Changes
Cognitive Maturity: Improvement in executive functions, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
Neuroplasticity: Although reduced compared to younger ages, adults can still form new neural connections.
Aging Brain
Cognitive Decline: Gradual decrease in memory, attention, and processing speed.
Compensatory Mechanisms: The brain can counteract some age-related declines through compensatory strategies.
Implications for Behavior and Cognition
Adolescents often exhibit behavior influenced by ongoing brain development, such as risk-taking and heightened emotions.
Adults show more refined cognitive abilities but face challenges from aging, requiring strategies to maintain mental acuity.
Conclusion
Understanding these developmental changes can inform strategies for education, mental health interventions, and support systems tailored to different life stages.