|
There is also some scientific reasoning that relates to the development of the adolescent brain and its relationship to the processing / generating of fear.
In order to prepare for adulthood, the basal amygdala and the hippocampus reduce their level of productivity which suppresses contextual fear. It is though that this allows the adolescent to move from the comfort of being raised by an adult into fending for themselves without being frozen by fear.
A teenage brain also has an underdeveloped frontal region, as well as an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex. These are the areas that are in control of judgement, rational thinking, and self-control.
In effect, dependent on the individual, you have a situation where the brain has not fully developed in terms of judgement from that of a child (where judgements are made for them) whilst simultaneously suppressing memories of contextual fear for the individual.
|