The Adolescent Mind: What Were They Thinking? By a show of hands, how many people in here have ever done anything that they would now consider to be “risky”? What & When? Sara Villanueva, Ph.D. St. Edward’s University

Adolescent Risk taking What do we mean by risk? Types: Behaviors that contribute to injuries and violence Behaviors that lead to unwanted pregnancies and STIs Alcohol or Drug use Tobacco use Unhealthy dietary and physical activities What is considered ‘risky’? It seems like such a relative term…what is risky to one person, may not be to another. Do adolescents see risk differently than adults? What about adult risk-takers/thrill seekers? Let’s right down some activities or behaviors that we can all agree are ‘risky’… Types – transcend legality: Driving or riding with someone who has been drinking; or carrying weapons Having intercourse before the age of 13, having multiple partners, not using protection Molly, vodka eyeballing, binge drinking Weed, crack Eating disorders, steroids

What we know about Teens & Risk Most teens do a few stupid things, but only a few get into real trouble Normal tool in development (not just humans) Teens define their identity; test abilities Rates of risky behaviors fluctuate Teen Risk has been around a long time, but things have changed: the environment Not all risk taking is bad. For some kids, trying out for the school play or taking an advanced math class is all the risk they need. For others, it’s flying over canyons with only a bungy chord to keep them from crashing, or taking that first puff from a joint, or stealing at the mall just to feel the thrill of getting away with it. Researchers agree that risk taking is a tool used in development whereby teens define their identity through risky behaviors…and test their abilities to see what they are capable of. Fluctuate depending on trends, campaigns put forth by schools/communities to deal with issues, laws, cost/economic circumstances, etc.

Teen Risk Status Quo Involved in more motor vehicle accidents & fatalities Commit more crimes (both property and violent crimes) Engage in more binge drinking Are less likely to practice safe sex Attempt suicide more often Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Truancy and drop out rates remain consistently high.

But, here is the $6 Million Dollar Question: WHY? If you ask teens themselves, they are STUNNINGLY ARTICULATE when trying to explain why they do risky things. Younger teens say things like “I don’t know; It’s fun: or Just felt like doing it...” Older teens have more rationale “Sometimes I take risk when I’m feeling vulnerable – I want to forget that feeling, I want to feel strong, so I do things to make me feel better about myself” – or – “Sometimes I want to get out there,find out about the world, and find out what my capabilities are” – or – “I’m good – nothing will happen to me!”

Myths & Assumptions 100% Hormones 100% Peer Pressure 100% Invincibility/Immortality PARENTS!

Current Thinking Genetics Context Social World THE PERFECT STORM! Genetics Context Social World Evolutionary Perspective The Teen BRAIN! IF you have previously attended this talk, you may recall that I talked about Puberty (looking and acting older), Sleep patterns, Cognitive & Social-Cognitive changes, etc. This time, we’re taking a broader approach…

Genetics Studies involving identical twins Novelty seeking has genetic basis No single gene to blame -Many scientists believe that novelty seeking behaviors have a genetic basis. Studies of identical twins show that a trait like height is 80-90% inherited (shared) with diet often making up the difference. The same studies have consistently found that novelty-seeking personalities is about 50% heritable. That means identical twins have a 50% chance of sharing the same risk-taking profile even if one lives in Houston and the other lives in Lubbock! -However, researchers are highly doubtful that there is a single gene to blame. -Another lime of research suggests that some people are simply born with dopamine systems that are either OVER- or UNDER-sensitive, leaving them genetically primed to seek or avoid risky activities. Think about why SOME people from the same household or family end up in trouble and some don’t.

Context Stress & Pressure Taxing on emotional and cognitive resources Puberty happening sooner Drugs more serious/stronger School, Jobs, high expectations Teen focus: Social benefits You know, Teenagers getting in trouble for doing risky (aka: stupid) things is NOT A NEW THING. Yet, rates of juvenile offenses continue to go up (YOU KNOW THIS!) So, teens themselves may not have changed, but the CONTEXT or the ENVIRONMENT has. In scanning the national newspapers in the last few days, I’ve seen several articles about teens and stress. Teens are under more stress today than ever before. Various stressors from divorce – less support from parents (compared to when they were little), personal relationships, poverty, educational expectations, jobs, and of course – puberty happening sooner, and the types of drugs and activities that are trending lately can all have a taxing effect on emotional and cognitive resources for teens. SOCIAL BENEFITS: Teens and adults make decisions in much the same way: we ALL minimize the cost and MAXIMIZE the benefits. The real difference is that Teens weigh the social consequences and rewards MUCH more than adults do. Fore example…

Teen’s Social World What does it look like? How do they maneuver it? Peer pressure in the new world Cyber bullying In today’s technologically advanced society, teens have almost IMMEDIATE access to anything literally at their fingertips. This is not necessarily a good thing. Adds pressure to look “unrealistically” good/cool/, and to “fit in and be liked” Some kids become easy targets of relational aggression and a new version of bullying.

Evolutionary Perspective Some scientists suggest that we take certain risks because through our evolutionary history it, too, has enhanced our chances for survival Makes us “tougher/stronger” Makes us more appealing to mates Also note that we are biologically set up to enjoy new/novel things. That is how we find new sources of food and new partners, and find out where dangers are. Certain levels of risk-taking are adaptive to our survival.

The Teen BRAIN: Still Under Construction! Prefrontal Cortex Not fully developed Paradoxical effects of brain development Teen brain programmed to seek novelty & thrills Dopamine! Some areas of the brain responsible (in part) for thrill seeking and novelty mature at puberty, which is happening earlier and earlier. The pre-frontal cortext, which is responsible for thinking things through, weighing out outcomes, etc does not mature until early to mid-twenties. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is heavily involved in what’s known as the pleasure and reward circuit in the brain. And teens have higher dopamine levels than adults. Teens can therefore tolerate higher levels of fear if something is thrilling or exciting. Factor this in with the social rewards that come with it and BOOM!

Possible Solutions How do we keep them out of the courtroom? Truancy: Seventeen states have laws requiring young people to stay in school or maintain a certain GPA to earn or keep their drivers licenses Context Offer more creative, NOVEL, but ACCEPTABLE outlets for teens to be adventurous, rebellious, etc. Using a Jury of their Peers YOUR SUGGESTIONS Well, because you cannot simply re-write history, re-wire a teen’s brain, or re-code genetics, ideas for potential solutions so far have dealt with problematic behaviors individually. Such as…