Cognitive development in teenagers is a fascinating topic.  As teens develop both socially and cognitively, they are also able to think more deeply about complex ideas and concepts, and they begin to understand the world around them in a more complex way.  This however, does not come without its share of successes and challenges for the teen and those committed to supporting them.

 

The teenage years of a person’s life are a crucial period of cognitive development, as the brain matures and goes through significant changes.  During this time, adolescent brains experience a range of cognitive abilities and challenges including increased cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills, as well as a increased ability to think abstractly and understand complex concepts.

 

One of the most significant changes that occur during the teenage years is the development of the prefrontal cortex.  This is the part of the brain responsible for executive function and decision-making. This region of the brain undergoes substantial growth and development during adolescence which enables teenagers to think more logically and make more complex decisions. According to a study in 2016, during these teen years the research demonstrated a clear “refinement of adolescents’ ability to integrate prior experiences to support goal-oriented behavior, which parallel hippocampal-prefrontal integration” (Murty, V. P., Calabro, F., & Luna, B. (2016)).

 

As the prefrontal cortex matures and becomes more integrated, teenagers also develop increased cognitive flexibility, which allows them to think about multiple ideas and concepts simultaneously. This ability allows teenagers to think more abstractly and to understand complex concepts, such as scientific theories, social constructs, and philosophical ideas.

 

In addition to these cognitive abilities, teenagers also struggle with a range of cognitive challenges during these years. Some examples of this include struggles with impulsivity and poor decision-making, which can lead to risk-taking behaviors and poor performance in school. These challenges are often related to the ongoing, but not completed, development of the prefrontal cortex, as the brain is still learning to control and regulate impulses and emotional urges.

 

To help teenagers navigate these cognitive challenges, it is important for parents and other caregivers and mentors in their lives to provide support and counsel. This can look like validating their experiences and helping them feel like their strong feelings are not wrong or bad while also providing supportive reasoning and helping them develop their own values.  Parents and teachers can also help teenagers learn skills to self-regulation, such as self-soothing techniques and using their support system.

 

Overall, the teenage years are a critical period of personal and cognitive development as the brain undergoes many changes and the effects of these changes are evident in the teen’s real-world experiences. During this time period, adolescents experience a range of blossoming abilities and challenges.  It is important for parents, educators, and other role models to provide support and guidance to help them navigate this tumultuous time in their lives.

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