1. Indicate causes of risky adolescent behavior (i.e. drug use, sexual behaviors, criminal activity) and discuss whether these operate independently or whether they interact.
The prefrontal cortex is not fully evolved and it enables planning, emotional regulation and impulse control. However the limbic system has developed and it regulates intense fear and originates excitement (Berger, 2010). This means adolescents are ruled by their emotions, as the cognitive areas of the brain are still under construction (Berger, 2010). This interrupts to adolescences acting on their feelings, so if they are confronted with taking drugs, participating in a sexual act or breaking into to someone’s home they are less likely to think about the consequences and just do whatever makes them feel good in that moment.
2. Explain the roles that peers play in the lives of adolescents. Discuss how friendships change from childhood to adolescence. Discuss both positive and negative peer influences. Give at least one personal example from your own life to support your discussion.
Peers support adolescents in understanding changes to their bodies during puberty, help with high …show more content…
Girls have a desire for a commitment possibly due to the fact they can become pregnant and would have to care for a child (Berger, 2010). At this time in one’s life they are making a distinction in their sexual orientation by realizing who they are attracted to; the same sex, opposite sex or both. In 2011, in the United States one third of high school seniors were still virgins because of better sexual education at home and in school (Berger, 2010). The teen’s pregnancy rate has decreased in the U.S. in part because of the lack family support in caring for a baby and a decreased job market (Berger, 2010). Factors that influence one’s dating trends can be puberty, parenting, peer pressure, culture and
The prefrontal cortex is not fully evolved and it enables planning, emotional regulation and impulse control. However the limbic system has developed and it regulates intense fear and originates excitement (Berger, 2010). This means adolescents are ruled by their emotions, as the cognitive areas of the brain are still under construction (Berger, 2010). This interrupts to adolescences acting on their feelings, so if they are confronted with taking drugs, participating in a sexual act or breaking into to someone’s home they are less likely to think about the consequences and just do whatever makes them feel good in that moment.
2. Explain the roles that peers play in the lives of adolescents. Discuss how friendships change from childhood to adolescence. Discuss both positive and negative peer influences. Give at least one personal example from your own life to support your discussion.
Peers support adolescents in understanding changes to their bodies during puberty, help with high …show more content…
Girls have a desire for a commitment possibly due to the fact they can become pregnant and would have to care for a child (Berger, 2010). At this time in one’s life they are making a distinction in their sexual orientation by realizing who they are attracted to; the same sex, opposite sex or both. In 2011, in the United States one third of high school seniors were still virgins because of better sexual education at home and in school (Berger, 2010). The teen’s pregnancy rate has decreased in the U.S. in part because of the lack family support in caring for a baby and a decreased job market (Berger, 2010). Factors that influence one’s dating trends can be puberty, parenting, peer pressure, culture and