Center for Neuroscience and Behavior
Center for Neuroscience and Behavior
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2: THE REMARKABLE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2: THE REMARKABLE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2: THE REMARKABLE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
Tuesday 27th May 2025
Explore the adolescent brain's growth with Dr. Adriana Galvan, highlighting its unique development and impact on decision-making.
35 minutes
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Center for Neuroscience and Behavior
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Navigating Intimate Relationships
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Holistic Health Innovations
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Unveiling the Adolescent Brain: A Journey with Dr. Adriana Galvan
Episode Overview
- Adolescent brains are uniquely designed for learning through neuroplasticity.
- The prefrontal cortex develops into the early twenties, aiding decision-making.
- Risk-taking is essential for trial-and-error learning during adolescence.
- Puberty hormones significantly impact social interactions and brain reward systems.
- Current narratives on adolescent mental health may overlook broader societal influences.
"The adolescent taste for risk is a good thing because we need members of our species to be able and willing and interested in taking risks."
Ever wondered why teenagers seem to have a knack for risky behaviour? In this episode of Lobes and Robes, Dr. Adriana Galvan from UCLA unravels the mysteries of the adolescent brain. With her background in psychology and neuroscience, Dr. Galvan offers a fascinating look at how the teenage brain is wired for growth and learning through a second wave of neuroplasticity.
She explains that the prefrontal cortex, the brain's command centre for emotion regulation and planning, continues its development into the early twenties. This extended development isn't a bug but a feature, allowing adolescents to explore and learn through trial and error. Dr. Galvan sheds light on how this phase of life is crucial for developing decision-making skills, despite adults often misinterpreting it as mere recklessness.
The conversation also touches on how puberty affects brain development, with hormones playing a pivotal role in social interactions and reward sensitivity. Dr. Galvan argues that risk-taking is not just a youthful folly but an essential part of learning and adapting to new environments. The discussion also navigates the tricky waters of adolescence in today's uncertain world. From social media's impact to the evolving language around mental health, Dr. Galvan provides insights that challenge common narratives about today's youth.
She encourages us to reconsider our perceptions of adolescence, viewing it as a period rich with potential rather than pitfalls. If you're curious about how neuroscience can inform policies that affect young people, or if you simply want to understand the teenage mind better, this episode is a must-listen. Who knows, you might even find yourself reminiscing about your own adolescent adventures!