According to neuroimaging studies, adolescent brains continue maturing through age 25. What are the implications on legal, social, and emotional young adult life?
Appearance of Maturity
Some precocious children manifest maturity beyond their years. A minority are prodigies, graduating from college in their teens. They may experience social adjustment difficulties. Then, some savants demonstrate a creative acumen with little or no training. But does aptitude correlate with physiological development?
Caring for adolescents and young adults can be a challenging task, especially considering the ongoing development of their brains. Neuroimaging studies indicate that brain maturation continues until around the age of 25. This suggests that critical decision-making processes may lack sound reasoning among individuals aged 18 or younger. [2]
Continued Development and Decision-Making
Scientific research supports the notion that the adolescent brain undergoes significant developmental changes, which can impact decision-making abilities. [2] Recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently.
Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the emotional part called the amygdala. [3] Advertisers target this age group by running campaigns that highlight emotional reactions more than product features.
For Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, or Nebraska, the age of majority is 19. In the District of Columbia (DC), Indiana, Mississippi, or New York, the age of majority is 21. [4] By attaining this age, an individual can sign legal contracts and enter into matrimony without parental consent. But, except in New York, they aren’t old enough to celebrate with champagne.
Despite achieving the legal age of majority at 18 in many locales, studies show that irrational decision-making is still possible due to ongoing brain development. [2,5] Factors such as hormonal fluctuations may contribute to impulsive behavior and risky activities. [6] These considerations have implications for the legal system’s approach to holding young adults accountable for their actions.
Age of Culpability
The legal system recognizes that juveniles have diminished culpability due to their lack of maturity and underdeveloped sense of responsibility. [5] This acknowledgment has led to changes in sentencing practices, such as the prohibition of executing minors and the rejection of life sentences for non-homicidal crimes committed by juveniles. [5] Courts now take into account the neurological development of young adults when determining appropriate sentences.
Even violent crimes may not rise to the level of culpability of older adults. Christopher Simmons was sentenced to death in 1993, when he was only 17. Each appeal was rejected. On appeal to the United States Supreme Court, observed “in a 5–4 opinion delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Court ruled that standards of decency have evolved so that executing minors is ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ prohibited by the Eighth Amendment.” —Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551, 553 (2005); Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48, 68 (2010).
Implications for Caregivers and Counselors
Neuroscientific research supports the understanding that the adolescent brain continues to develop until the mid-20s. Adults caring for adolescents and young adults, such as parents, teachers, and counselors, often encounter behaviors that defy mature logic. This can include bizarre fashion choices, dangerous fraternity or sorority pledges, underage drinking, and promiscuity. [2,3,6]
The teen brain has an amazing ability to adapt and respond to new experiences and situations. By taking challenging classes, exercising, and engaging in creative activities like art or music, people strengthen brain circuits and help the brain mature. [7] Caregivers should balance firmness with understanding when guiding them to ensure appropriate support and guidance for young adults under their care.
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To support the writing of useful articles about neurology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about neurology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
You can support the writing of useful articles about neurology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.
