A Smoother Transition
Why Teenagers Make Rational and Irrational Choices
by
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Parts of the brain undergo refinement during the teen years. The adolescent brain still is strengthening connections between its reasoning- and emotion-related regions. Adolescents are often unable to break their early emotional bonds logically. They may become rebellious emotionally, or hypercritical in order to persuade their parents that they are now different and must be independent. This behavior may breed alienation (the generation gap). Teenagers and adults often don't see eye to eye, but new brain research is explaining why. Although adolescence is often characterized by increased independence and a desire for knowledge and exploration, it is also a time when brain changes can result in high-risk behaviors, addictions, and mental illness, as different parts of the brain mature at different rates. Research has shown that cognitive control over high-risk behaviors is still maturing during adolescence, making teens more apt to engage in risky behaviors. Brain maturation is still going on well into adulthood. It takes more intense reward to stimulate a teen's brain. The brain's reward center, the ventral striatum, also is more active during adolescence than in adulthood, and the adolescent brain still is strengthening connections between its reasoning- and emotion-related regions. And that could lead some to take risks ranging from extreme sports to drinking or drugs.
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About the Book
Parents, do you want to help your child through the peaks and valleys of adolescence? By understanding what your teen is experiencing, you can better communicate and help them make wise choices as they attempt to establish their independence. As teens progress into adulthood, there seems to be a shift in where the brain routes judgment calls. Mixed with the abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs, or risky behavior in general, it becomes more difficult for the young adult mind to fully understand the consequences of some choices they make. This book helps teenagers refocus their energy, and make a smoother transition throughout adolescence into early adulthood.
About the Author
Dr. Ella Johnson received a Masters Degree from St. Luke's Evangelical School of Biblical Studies and a Doctorate Degree from Oval Bible College. She is pastor of Joy Tabernacle Church in Texarkana, TX. Pastor Johnson began her ministry as a Youth Pastor working diligently with neighbor youths and teens to instill Biblical foundations and moral character. Dr. Johnson has inspired and motivated adolescents in abstinence and to be free from drugs and alcohol for over 30 years. Dr. Dianne Barber received a BA degree in Education from Lewis University, MA degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Master's and Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary. She completed a two year program from Landmark Education Communications Team Management and Leadership Training and Development where she received extensive training in communications. Dr. Barber lives in Chicago, IL and is a motivational speaker and a State Certified Teacher for over 30 years.