Decoding Adolescent Decision Making on Screens and Off

Jan 22, 2024

In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Ruston focuses on the science behind teen risky decision-making, both online and offline. Dr. Ruston speaks with researchers who shed light on the latest brain science, helping us better understand the biology behind adolescents' decision-making processes. With insights from experts such as psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke and psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, parents will glean practical advice on guiding their children toward wiser decisions and setting fair consequences for rule-breaking.

EPISODE NOTES

‍Research References

Adolescents’ Cognitive Capacity Reaches Adult Levels Prior to Their Psychosocial Maturity: Evidence for a “Maturity Gap” in a Multinational, Cross-Sectional Sample (Law and Human Behavior)

Biological substrates of emotional reactivity and regulation in adolescence during an emotional go-nogo task (Biological Psychiatry)

 

Featured Experts

Adriana Galvan, PhD

Laurence Steinberg, PhD

Lisa Damour, PhD

Anna Lambke, MD

Time code of the episode

00:04 Introduction and the Complexity of Decision Making

01:23 Understanding the Science Behind Teen Decision Making

02:55 The Role of Emotions in Decision Making

05:05 Real-life Consequences of Rash Decisions

06:17 The Neuroscience of Adolescence

07:38 The Impact of Emotions on Teenagers' Decision Making

10:30 Strategies for Parents to Help Teens Make Wiser Decisions

13:19 The Importance of Setting Limits and Fair Consequences

16:50 Understanding and Empathizing with the Challenges Teens Face

17:50 Conclusion: Encouraging Wise Decision Making