It seems that the propensity for risky behavior among teenagers is not just a matter of choice, but a matter of science. Researchers recently conducted a study in which they monitored brain activity in adolescents and adults during a gambling game.

"As expected, teens bet more often than adults did when the payoff was bigger but the risk of losing was high."

Researchers found that teens use less of the prefrontal cortex, or thinking region of the brain, when making decisions. The "reward" system in an adolescent brain also seems to respond more actively when positive results are achieved as a result of risky behavior. Brain researcher Monique Ernst believes studies like this will help in finding ways to prevent teens from making dangerous choices. Read more at ScienceCentral.com.

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Labels: brain_chemistry, decision_making, risky_behaviors