The Adolescents

Alongside this limbic system/prefrontal cortex model of risk-taking, there are other theories investigating the link between dopamine activity in adolescents and risk-taking. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter, released by the ventral tegmental area, affecting brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex, all involved in reward processing (Siddiqui et al., 2008). Research suggests that there is increased activity of neural…

Introduction “Sexting” is a type of tele-communication that is becoming popular among adolescents. “Sexting” can be that a) sending out a text message that suggests engagement in sexual activities, b) taking pictures of private parts or genitals and sending them out to specific individuals, and c) doing both type of actions (Jaishanker, 2009). A question about sexting is that whether it is a good or bad activity for adolescents. Some studies suggest that changes in the self-confidence, the…

even look back at their adolescence with fondness later in life and view this period of life as being an exciting time of self-exploration and development. However, for some adolescents this period of life is fraught with depression, anxiety and suicide ideation. There are numerous causes for adolescents…

conducted with 1,975 adolescents that ranged from age 15-21. The survey and study examined whether the parenteral divorce process affects youth substance use. This study examined adolescent use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. The research indicated that adolescents are likely to use alcohol 2-4 years prior to the parental divorce. Following divorce adolescents are more likely to engage in alcohol, cigarette, and drug use. Research also indicated that the adolescent drug use due to…

educators are experiencing the loss of their own students from suicide, the factors that cause suicidal behaviors have been examined in further detail. By gaining greater insight about the psychological, social, and biological factors that contribute to adolescent suicide, the educational community will better be able to counteract some of these factors and work to decrease…

so an individual won’t struggle with the same conflict later in life. For adolescents, they have a conflict of their identity and role in life, which may cause confusion. Adolescents tend to make choices about occupation, sexual orientation, lifestyle, and adult role to learn about their self-identity. They also rely on the support and reassurance to create an image for themselves. If the needs are not met, adolescents experience role confusion, loss of self-belief, and sometimes depression.…

between parents and adolescents have an important role during their transition from childhood to early adulthood. Establishing a meaningful, supporting, and, caring parent-adolescent relationship is imperative to adolescents’ behavioral development. Although, peer influences have been well-known by society as a key initiator for underage drinking, further research suggests parenting styles/behaviors are contributing risk factors. As a result, parents have a key influence on adolescents’…

(2013) implied adolescents thrive due to their highly flexible and adaptable brain. Siegel (2013) worked as clinical psychiatry professor after graduating from medical school; his children furthered his enthusiasm in determining the surge in dopamine (DP) and other hormones led to the intense neural rewiring within their brains. Siegel (2013) believed the increase desire to connect with other peers motivate adolescents to purse creative and novel experiences. Although the adolescent brain is…

article, Ways to Build Your Teenager’s Self-Esteem published by healthychildren.org, to verify if the article’s recommendations for building adolescent self-esteem are supported by scientific evidence. The article suggests that parents can positively influence their adolescents’ self-esteem by implementing four behaviors while interacting with their adolescent, which are, (1) be generous with praise, (2) criticize when necessary, but constructively, (3) solicit your youngster’s opinions, and…

the gains made in neonatal and pediatric health care were being lost during adolescences. Public health researchers and health providers pointed to the lack of adolescent specific health care services designed to bridge the gap between children's health programs and the adult health infrastructure. The argument for investing in adolescent health care and services is based on the cost effectiveness…