Scientists have attempted to explain teens' tendency toward extreme behavior

Previously, neuroscientists believed that the slow development of the prefrontal cortex of the brain and, as a result, the lack of a full sense of satisfaction can explain the tendency of teenagers to impulsive and extreme behavior. But studying all the information on this topic allowed specialists to make slightly different conclusions. Experts paid attention to all the existing studies that were conducted to prove the imperfect functionality of the teenage brain - a factor that "pushes" children to extreme sports. During the research, it was discovered that the passion of teenagers for dangerous "adventures" has nothing to do with impulsive and uncontrollable behavior. On the contrary, experts noted that the child's thirst to achieve his "maximum" is one of the manifestations of a person's cognitive desire, but in no way a violation of the functionality of the brain.

Of course, such behavioral features should be distinguished from not just dangerous, but deadly "antics", as well as from the manic search for risky "adventures". Any type of behavior has its limits, which are called "norm of behavior". "For many years, the behavioral features of adolescents and their desire to take risks were explained only by hormonal changes and abnormal development of the prefrontal cortex," says the head of the study, Daniel Romer, professor of philosophy, experimental specialist at the Center for Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. "We now have reliable information that the extreme activity of adolescents has no connection with brain disorders." In the course of their work, the researchers noted that the well-known theory of brain development does not take into account the possible outcomes of risky behavior.

Teenagers have a need for new and emotional experiences – the so-called peak sensations, when the body's capabilities are at their maximum. However, children who direct their passion to assessing human capabilities have a lower risk of developing a tendency to psychostimulants and gambling. Scientists note that high levels of dopamine, a hormone responsible for the craving for new emotions and feelings, additionally affect the formation of self-control and the need to learn from their own mistakes. In other words, all teenagers, to one degree or another, need to learn to control themselves and their emotions, gain experience. Experts prefer that children choose extreme sports rather than the use of psychostimulants or other types of addiction. However, one should not confuse the desire of teenagers for self-knowledge and a "tribute to fashion" - extreme "selfies" for posting on the Internet. Such extreme sports are sometimes devoid of common sense and expose not only the teenager, but also the people around him to mortal danger. The task of adults is to explain to the child the potential dangers and risks, as well as the senselessness of certain actions.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]