Task 9 Flashcards
(6 cards)
How is adolescent brain development measured?
MRI + Behavioural paradigms
What structural and functional changes are observed in adolescent brain?
- Gray matter thinning observed (due to pruning). It is associated with white matter increase. White matter = myelinization which leads to faster transmission of information.
- Neural connections that have not been pruned are better able to transmit information due to white matter.
- Max volume of white matter in PFC in the 20s.
- Nucleus accumbent reacts strongly when exposed to medium/large rewards, and decreases reactions when given small rewards – explanation for thrill-seeking behaviour.
- Amygdala & PFC integration continues to develop into adulthood (responsible of emotional maturity).
Explain the dual system model by Steinberg
- The cognitive control system develops linearly with age, and reaches maturity around 20 years old. Their functions are involved in self-regulation.
- The striatal system (socio-emotional) has an inverted-U shape & peaks around mid-adolescence & decline into adulthood. Functions include reward sensitivity, emotions, arousal etc.
To what extent do structural and functional immaturities influence adolescents’ decision making?
- Connections in the brain are pruned during adolescence. The areas that survive the pruning have better information transmission due to myelinization
- Adolescence have ability to control impulses but needs more effort to recruit neurons from the frontal regions
- Peer presence affects their risk taking behaviours – heightened activity in limbic areas are activated during peer presence
- Arousal also affects their decisions (e.g. in the heat of the moment)
How can neuroscience knowledge be used in court?
“in the heat of the moment, as in the presence of peers, potential threat, or rewards, emotional centers of the brain hijack less mature PF circuits during adolescence, leading to poor choice behaviours”.
Thus, adolescents should still be held accountable but the punishment should consider their development and not be disproportional to it otherwise it may be regarded as cruel.
How has neuroscience influenced legal changes?
- 2005 (Roper v. Simmons) – it was held that executing offenders under the age of 18 violated the 8th Amendment.
- 2010: (Graham v. Florida) – it was held that juvenile offenders could not be sentenced to life in prison without parole for non-homicide crimes.
- 2021: (Miller v. Alabama & Jackson v. Hobbs) – Supreme Court held that mandatory sentences of life without parole for juveniles violate the 8th Amendment.
