2008 Woodie Awards
Insensitive teens: Blame it on your amygdala
Brett Corrigan
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: World
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A controversial study arguing that teenagers have a biological predisposition to use a less effective part of the brain when trying to understand and react to others has recently come to light.
The study, presented by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore of the University College of London, concluded that teenage brains function differently than those of adults when interpreting the feelings and emotions of others.
While the general social experience adults have in comparison to teens is a factor, studies have also shown that the teenager uses a completely different region of the brain than the typical adult. Teens are more likely to use the back area of the brain, particularly the amygdala, when relating to others. Adults, in contrast, typically use the medial prefrontal cortex.
A similar study by researches at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts uses MRI technology to study brain activity in 18 10 to 18-year-olds and 16 adults.
According to an article by Frontline producer Sarah Spinks, "the teens mostly used the amygdala, a small almond shaped region that guides instinctual or 'gut' reactions, while the adults relied on the frontal cortex, which governs reason and planning as well as empathy and guilt."
Many scientists believe this study may help confirm that there is a scientific explanation behind the stereotypes of teens as being moody, emotional and rebellious.
Despite this finding, however, media headlines on the studies tend to highlight the more negative standpoint, claiming feelings matter less to teenagers.
These titles seemingly place the blame on the teens themselves rather than their biological configuration. Many young people are skeptical of the findings.
According to several scientific groups, however, the findings seem to be sound.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, commonly known as MRI, is used to scan the teen brain once every two years during adolescence, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported.
The study, presented by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore of the University College of London, concluded that teenage brains function differently than those of adults when interpreting the feelings and emotions of others.
While the general social experience adults have in comparison to teens is a factor, studies have also shown that the teenager uses a completely different region of the brain than the typical adult. Teens are more likely to use the back area of the brain, particularly the amygdala, when relating to others. Adults, in contrast, typically use the medial prefrontal cortex.
A similar study by researches at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts uses MRI technology to study brain activity in 18 10 to 18-year-olds and 16 adults.
According to an article by Frontline producer Sarah Spinks, "the teens mostly used the amygdala, a small almond shaped region that guides instinctual or 'gut' reactions, while the adults relied on the frontal cortex, which governs reason and planning as well as empathy and guilt."
Many scientists believe this study may help confirm that there is a scientific explanation behind the stereotypes of teens as being moody, emotional and rebellious.
Despite this finding, however, media headlines on the studies tend to highlight the more negative standpoint, claiming feelings matter less to teenagers.
These titles seemingly place the blame on the teens themselves rather than their biological configuration. Many young people are skeptical of the findings.
According to several scientific groups, however, the findings seem to be sound.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, commonly known as MRI, is used to scan the teen brain once every two years during adolescence, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported.