Exam 3: Risky Behaviors

Question 1

Does risky behavior have something to do with impulsivity?

Answer 1

Impulsivity associated with cognitive control which pretty steadily increases throughout the life span-so probably not

Question 2

Cognitive control

Answer 2

mental processes that allow individuals to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve goals
-attentional control
-working memory
-cognitive flexibility
-ability to resist a strong inclination to do one thing and instead do what is most effective to achieve the goal
-associated with PFC development

Question 3

Does Risky behavior have something to do with sensation seeking?

Answer 3

Sensitivity to reward is associated with the ventral striatum
the ventral striatum develops until about adolescence where it begins to plateau
-so probably not
-we’d expect younger kids to engage in risky behavior too

Question 4

Sensation seeking

Answer 4

sensitivity to reward
the more sensitive we are the more motivating the reward is
sensitivity to reward is associated with the ventral striatum (dopamine)

Question 5

Connection between PFC and Ventral Striatum in adolescents

Answer 5

developed connection between the striatum and pre frontal cortex - sensation seeking influencing PFC

Question 6

Connection between PFC and ventral striatum in adults

Answer 6

Developed connection between striatum and PFC AND PFC and striatum
-more balanced