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

"Just Say No" was a popular anti-drug slogan for years. And there's certainly no shortage of anti-drug programs in the United States and other countries. But are they effective? A recent study in China has found that they may not be.

"A new study has found that using education and prevention programs alone to persuade teens to keep away from drinking, smoking or taking drugs are unlikely to be effective, as competing systems within the brain make adolescents more susceptible to engaging in risky or dangerous behavior."

The study researched the development of two different brain systems - the socioemotional and cognitive-control systems - and how those systems influenced decision making among adolescents. The cognitive-control system, which regulates behavior, works best when the teen is alone. However, when peers are present, the socioemotional system - which is more sensitive to social influence, takes over, inhibiting the cognitive-control system and the teen's ability to make good decisions. Read more at ChinaDaily.com.

Labels: brain_chemistry, decision_making, risky_behaviors