social cognitive brain development

Question 1

What is the age range for adolescence and what characterizes this period?

Answer 1

Age range is 10-24 years. It’s a unique period of biological, psychological, and social development characterized by sensation-seeking and self-regulation.

Question 2

What percentage of mental illnesses emerge during adolescence?

Answer 2

75% of mental illnesses first appear before age 24.

Question 3

What are the main structural changes in the adolescent brain?

Answer 3

• Grey matter volume in social brain network decreases during adolescence.
  Cortical grey matter decreases by 1.5% annually.
  Cerebral white matter increases by 1% annually.
  Key processes include synaptic pruning, myelination, axonal growth.

Question 4

What are the key regions of the social brain network and their function?

Answer 4

Key regions include dmPFC, TPJ, ATC, pSTS. These areas are activated when thinking about other people’s minds.

Question 5

How do peers influence adolescent behavior?

Answer 5

• Teenagers’ risk perception is more influenced by peers than adults.
  Adolescents prioritize avoiding social risks over other types.
  Peer-led interventions can be effective (e.g., anti-bullying intervention reduced bullying by 25%).

Question 6

What are the effects of social isolation on adolescents?

Answer 6

• 40% of 16-24-year-olds in the UK feel lonely often.
  Associated with mental health problems, substance abuse, and physical illness.
  Leads to increased reward seeking and learning.
  Can affect both reward and threat learning systems.