Teens and Decision Making

Acting before thinking something through happens more often in ________________ than in adults.

Since the limbic system matures earlier than the _____________________, it is more likely to gain an upper hand in decision making. This imbalance helps to explain a teen’s inclination to rush decisions.

Decisions stem from a series of events in the ________ which happen almost instantaneously.

The brain reaches its maximum size between ages 5-7.

• True

• False

Brain development continues through a person’s mid twenties.

• True

• False

In synaptic __________, synapses not used very often are removed, allowing the brain to redirect precious resources toward more active synapses.

The prefrontal cortex, a key brain region located directly behind your forehead, is an important control center for:

• Thinking ahead & sizing up risks and rewards

• Coordinating motor responses and keeping your balance

• Mounting an emotional response to stimuli

• Responding to loud noises

The limbic system, a part of the brain that matures earlier than the prefrontal cortex, play a central role in:

• Sports

• Speaking foreign languages

• Emotional responses

• Thinking ahead

When teens learn and repeat appropriate behaviors, they are helping to shape their ________, and their futures.

Teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in to shape their own brain development.

• True

• False