Typical Middle School Behavior

“Tweeners” What are “tweeners” most interested in: Ancient history Writing a literary analysis essay Solving Quadratic Equations Themselves The most intriguing topic to a middle schooler is middle schoolers – egocentric.

The Adolescent Brain Behavior Study by Dr. Arthur Toga Frontal lobe of the brain has less mylenation than the adult brain (myelin connects neural processes) The frontal lobe dictates rational behavior, reasoning, and weighing of consequences. Executive functioning (organization, prioritizing)

Brain: Amygdala The amygdalae (2 amygdala) located in temporal lobes, believed to be part of the limbic system. Functions/roles are in processing of memory, decision-making/survival instincts, and emotional reactions (anger, fear, sadness, etc.) as well as controlling aggression. Fear-when our senses detect changes in our environment, this triggers flight, fight or freeze.

Function of Amygdala Perception of emotions (e.g., anger, fear, anxiety, sadness…) Stores memory of events and emotions (dog bite) Fear – our senses detect a change in our surroundings that could be dangerous or threatening to the individual…the amygdala prepares the body for flight, fight, or freeze.

Brain Con’t Study by Deborah Yurgelun-Todd Used MRI brain scans – The results of the study where teens were asked to identify the expression depicted in pictures indicated teens and adults use different parts of their brains to process the feeling depicted in the picture.

Study Con’t The adults correctly identified the expression as fear, BUT the adolescents misread the facial expression/fear –-shocked, surprised, or angry.

Amydala (con’t) Research shows that males have larger amygdalae, which helps to explain why males tend to respond to emotionally stressful stimuli physically. The left amygdala allows for recall of details, but results in more thought rather than action in response to emotionally stressful stimuli, which may explain absence of physical response in females. Females tend to retain stronger memories for emotional events than males.

“Amygdala Hijack” A term coined by Daniel Goleman in his 1996 book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Thank IQ. The term describes emotional responses from people which are immediate and overwhelming, and out of measure with with the actual stimulus because it has triggered a much more significant threat. The rational brain is hijacked and people have irrational or destructive reactions.

Typical Behavior Engage in strong, intense interests, often short lived Moody / strong emotional reactions Seem irrational at times Prefer interacting with peer Peer groups change Seek independence/Search for identity

Behavior Con’t Adolescents differ from adults in the way they behave, solve problems, and make decisions. Often don’t consider the consequences to their actions (act before they think) More likely to engage in risky or inappropriate behavior Misread or misinterpret social cues and emotions

Developmental Changes Intellectual – change from concrete to abstract thinking, metacognition Physical - girls develop earlier and faster, increase in feeling self-conscious about their bodies Psychological- chemical and hormonal imbalances, behavior may regress, self-esteem often decreases

Development Con’t Social – Peers become more important, may be rebellious, but reliant on parental values, Seek peers as role models and standards of behavior. -Searching for identity and independence. -Start to be interested in romantic relationships -Caution: increased use of social media