The Teen Brain

Regardless of whether you are presently a teenager; are able to remember being one, or are a parent of one, you might agree that the experience is/was much “….like nailing Jell-o to a tree.” From any perspective, adolescence often manifests itself as a period of confusion; a challenge cloaked in mystery and frustration while attempting to comprehend its modus operandi. Poet and professor, John Anthony Ciardi stated that, “You don’t have to suffer to be a poet; adolescence is enough suffering for anyone.”

This pursuit to comprehend the apparent ambiguities manifested during the teen years remains as active today as it did for Aristotle. He observed that, “The young are permanently in a state resembling intoxication.” However, there appears to be a breakthrough on the horizon compliments of advances in the technology of brain imaging. Currently, there are research studies devoted specifically to seeking solutions to solving this ancient bewilderment in relation to adolescent thinking.

In her article, “This is your brain on adolescence…..” Rachel Tompa, provides a glimpse into some of the initial findings of this new area of research.