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Modulation of Reward-related Neural Activation on Sensation Seeking Across Development
Sensation seeking, linked to seeking novel and risky experiences, has a genetic basis and is tied to brain reward systems. Studies show that adolescents exhibit heightened reactivity to rewards in a specific brain region.
Stress and Decision Making: Effects on Valuation, Learning, and Risk-taking
Research into how stress affects decision-making shows inconsistent findings. Methodological differences in how stress is defined and applied across studies, such as timing and type of stressor, contribute to this variability.
Adolescence and Reward: Making Sense of Neural and Behavioral Changes Amid the Chaos
Adolescence is a time of major changes, including increased exploration and sensation-seeking behavior. Research into brain development during this period can help understand and prevent health risks.
But Is Helping You Worth the Risk? Defining Prosocial Risk Taking in Adolescence
This article introduces "Prosocial Risk Taking," a new concept exploring if adolescents take risks to benefit others. It suggests viewing adolescence as a time of opportunity for positive development, not just vulnerability.
vlPFC-vmPFC-Amygdala Interactions Underlie Age-Related Differences in Cognitive Regulation of Emotion
Adolescents and children show less ability to manage negative emotions than adults. This study explored brain pathways, finding that age improves emotion regulation via a specific brain region's influence on emotional responses.
A Neuroscience Perspective on Sexual Risk Behavior in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Young people (15-24) account for 50% of new STIs and have high rates of unintended pregnancies. This is linked to low condom use and multiple partners, and "heat of the moment" decisions despite knowing risks.
Williams v. State
A 17-year-old convicted of felony murder appealed his life sentence with parole. A court ruled he deserves a hearing to determine if his parole date effectively creates a life without parole sentence.
Stallings v. State
A 17-year-old was sentenced to life with parole for battery, robbery, and assault. The court ruled he must receive a new parole hearing to ensure a meaningful chance of release.
Atwell v. State
Florida's Supreme Court ruled a life sentence with parole for a 16-year-old was unconstitutional. The state's parole system offered no meaningful release opportunity, violating Miller v. Alabama.
State v. Garza
The court affirmed a 90-year sentence for a juvenile convicted of murder. This was not considered a de facto life sentence, and life without parole is still permissible in some cases.
Veal v. State
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled Robert Veal, sentenced to life without parole at age seventeen, deserved a new sentence review. This was based on a US Supreme Court decision and the original court not finding him permanently incorrigible.
State v. Sweet
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled a life without parole sentence for juveniles is unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. This case involved a juvenile convicted of first-degree murder.
People v. Lozano
The court held a juvenile's life without parole sentence required review under Miller v. Alabama. The defendant committed their crime as a juvenile, prompting the appeal.
In re J.G.
The Supreme Court held that sentencing a 16-year-old to life without parole for capital murder violates the Eighth Amendment. This ruling found such a sentence to be cruel and unusual punishment for juvenile offenders.
People v. Reyes
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that mandatory consecutive minimum sentences for a juvenile constituted a de facto life sentence, violating the Eighth Amendment. The case was remanded for resentencing considering youth.