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Sex, Drugs and Self-Control
Article

Sex, Drugs and Self-Control

It’s not just about rebellion. Neuroscience is revealing adolescents’ rich and nuanced relationship with risky behaviour.

Nature, 2017


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Eye Opening

Recommendation

Risky behavior causes a large proportion of deaths among teenagers. Yet recent studies have found that risk appetite among adolescents is no higher than among adults. In this article, Nature’s news feature editor Kerri Smith looks at the latest research into teenage brain development, which explores the factors that determine risk behavior among adolescents and its impact on the brain – and how these findings can, and should, inform policies. This article will engage anyone who wants to get the adolescents in their care safely through their teenage years.

Take-Aways

  • Research has found that risk appetite among adolescents is no higher than among adults.
  • Unlike previously thought, the brain does not develop unevenly during teenage years.
  • Context and social factors impact on teenagers’ willingness to take risks.

About the Author

Kerri Smith is a feature editor for Nature, covering life sciences. Her background is in human sciences and neuroscience.


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