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Age-related changes in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activation are associated with daily prosocial behaviors two years later
This study explored how adolescents’ brains change while engaging in community-based prosocial behaviors. Researchers found that early to mid-adolescence is a key period for developing these behaviors, impacting daily helpfulness later on.
How beliefs around peers’ risk preferences get incorporated into adolescents’ decision making
This study examined how adolescents' beliefs about their friends' preferences influence their risky decisions. It found that the accuracy of these beliefs and whether individuals prioritize themselves or their friend's wishes vary with age.
Development of the triadic neural systems involved in risky decision-making during childhood
Risky decision-making increases from childhood, peaks in adolescence, and declines into adulthood. While neural underpinnings are known for adolescents and adults, how these systems work in children remains largely unknown.
Using risk of crime detection to study change in mechanisms of decision making
Research indicates that the perceived risk of getting caught for a crime impacts whether someone commits that crime. However, there is less evidence that the perceived risk directly correlates with the actual objective risk of detection.
Friendship changes differentially predict neural correlates of decision-making for friends across adolescence
Adolescence involves increased risk-taking for peers amid a changing social world. Friendship changes may impact adaptive risk-taking for friends and brain activity related to reward processing.
Racial discrimination and risk for internalizing and externalizing symptoms among Black youths
Racial discrimination impacts Black youth's mental health, increasing internalizing and externalizing symptoms. A youth's amygdala response to threats can moderate this association.
Associations between externalizing behavior problems and risky sexual behaviors in adolescence: Attachment as a mediator
Adolescence is a time of increased risk for health issues and new relationships. Some adolescents engage in risky sexual behaviors, like early sex or not using condoms, which can lead to health problems.
The Life-Course of Juvenile Lifers: Understanding Maturation and Development as Miller and Its Progeny Guide Juvenile Life Sentence Release Decisions
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that most juveniles sentenced to life in prison can mature and change. These individuals should have a chance to show they have reformed and earn release.
In the wake of Miller and Montgomery: A national view of people sentenced to juvenile life without parole
The U.S. has a high incarceration rate, driven by long sentences. Many people serving life sentences committed their crimes as juveniles. These sentences are often unnecessary for public safety and costly.
Susceptibility to peer influence in adolescents: Associations between psychophysiology and behavior
Adolescents are more susceptible to peer influence, which can be direct, indirect, or continuing. This influence impacts both antisocial and prosocial behaviors. The study examines how these types of influence affect different behaviors.
Naloxone precipitated withdrawal increases dopamine release in the dorsal striatum of opioid dependent men
This study found that opioid withdrawal increases dopamine in the dorsal striatum and decreases it in the ventral striatum, which is linked to withdrawal aversion.
Drive, instinct, reflex-Applications to treatment of anxiety, depressive and addictive disorders
Psychoanalysis has long confused "drive" and "instinct." This article defines drive as a motivated search for satisfaction, distinct from instinct, and identifies five core human motivations rooted in brain systems shared with animals.
Primer: Psychedelics
Psychedelics are chemicals categorized by structure. They are found in nature or made synthetically. These compounds alter perception, cognition, and mood, with effects varying by substance and dose.
Use of Marijuana: Effect on Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Marijuana use is increasing, with growing potency in THC levels. Concerns exist about its effects on brain health, particularly in adolescents and young adults, and potential drug interactions.
Competencies for Training Juvenile Services on Justice Involved Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury
Youth in juvenile correction facilities have high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Staff training is crucial for identifying TBI, improving outcomes, and ensuring youth receive necessary care, but current training is often inadequate.