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Dive into the complexities of the teenage brain and the developing prefrontal cortex, often referred to as the "Chief Executive." This educational program provides insights into how adolescents struggle with impulse control, decision-making, and risk assessment. Learn about common behaviors such as high-risk actions, difficulty postponing gratification, and the impact of emotional reactions and peer pressure. Equip yourself with strategies to support teens in making wise choices and navigating social challenges, ultimately guiding them toward healthier behaviors and better judgment.
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Maywood Schools Parent Education Program March 31st, 2011
Prefrontal cortexthe “Chief Executive” Reasoning / Judgment / Motivation Ability to: • control impulses and postpone gratification • plan ahead / foresee consequences • inhibit / regulate emotions • evaluate behavior (one’s own or others’) • understand others’ positions • make wise choices (evaluating risk vs. reward) • handle social pressures
The Developing Frontal Lobes in Adolescence • Difficulty foreseeing consequences • Difficulty planning or setting priorities (making wise choices) • Difficulty postponing gratification / controlling impulses • High pleasure / reward / novelty seeking • High risk-taking behavior • Exaggerated black and white thinking (safe vs. unsafe) • Heightened emotional reactions, fantasy life • Difficulty handling social pressures
Risk Assessment: Mortality Fischhoff, B., Assessing adolescent decision-making competence, Developmental Review, #28, 2008
Risk Assessment = ProbabilityXConsequence
Risk Assessment = ProbabilityXConsequence XPayoff
Risk Assessment = ProbabilityXConsequence XPayoff X “Heat of the moment”
Two Brains The “Classroom Brain” “Heat of the moment” Brain
What makes the brain “hot” • Heightened emotion • Anger • Jealousy • Fear • Sexual arousal • Intoxication • Peer “pressure” • Impulsivity – immediate gratification
Why Kids Get High • Peer acceptance • Inclusion/Attention / Status / Confidence (social) • Coping strategy • To alter feelings / experiences • Experimentation / curiosity / rebellion
What kids are using • Alcohol • Marijuana • Prescription medication • Pain medications: OxyContin, Vicodin, Percodan • Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium • Sleep medications: Ambien , Lunesta • ADHD medications: Ritalin , Adderall • Heroin • Cocaine • OTC cold medication (“triple C’s”) • Inhalants • Club drugs (particularly Ecstasy) • New fads (Four Loko, bath salts)