Essay on Myth of the Teen Brain An Article Review

Introduction In 2007, Scientific American Mind published an article by Robert Epstein. In his article, Epstein raised the question of whether the teenage brain caused turmoil, or if turmoil shaped the brain. The author began by explaining a discredited theory that haunts teenagers today. It began in 1904 with G. Stanley Hall’s observation of adolescents who were left on the streets due to mass migration and immigration during the industrial revolution. Hall attributed the turmoil he observed to recapitulation, a biological theory in which adolescence mirrors the savage, pigmoid stage of evolutionary development (Epstein 2007). Further, brain imaging studies noted differences in scans of adolescents and adults while performing†¦show more content†¦Theoretical Value From a developmental perspective, the brain tends to have a reciprocal relationship with the energy/resources going in and out of it. Brain function affects mood, cognition and behavior via neurotransmission. Neurotransmission has also been linked to normal developmental processing and disorders (Robbins, Chatterjee Canda 2006). At the same token, ingesting substances such as drugs (legal and illegal) can permanently change the brain’s chemistry, and ultimately, its functioning (National Institute on Drug Abuse 2011). In such case, it is important to note that the action of using a substance (environment) alters the brain, instead of the brain causing the substance use, as would be deducted from the brain scans. While most Western cultures do not celebrate adolescence, perhaps the change from childhood to adolescence is marked by some change in functioning that would account for the behaviors attributed to teens: â€Å"hazing, tattooing, dieting, dress, and beautification rituals† (McCarter 2011). As discussed previously, however, the â€Å"teenage behavior,† is not universal, although it is widespread in the West. As Bynum and Thompson (2007) explained, regulating the social status, role and legal treatment of adolescents caused marginality and had negative consequences (494), which correlated with Epstein’s theory that the restrictions on teens contribute to turmoil. The research and theories proposed in the article areShow MoreRelatedUnderstanding Schizophreni How Do You Know?870 Words   |  4 Pagesmain factors of schizophrenia is genetics. Despite the fact that there has been no specific gene linked to the cause of schizophrenia, there is a gene related to the risk of one developing schizophrenia known as the brain derived neurotropic factor (Egan, Weinberger, Lu, 2003). This brain deriving factor is known to effect the hippocampus, this aids in the creation of impairments of individuals with schizophrenia. Perhaps one of the most interesting elements in the development of schizophrenia is thatRead MoreMarijuana Damages the Mind and Body Essay1189 Words   |  5 Pagesis used as marijuana. In addition, the flowers of the female plant and the buds are the most vigorous part. Furthermore, the plant produces the main psychoactive substance, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Wishnia 44). In Putting a Match to the Marijuana Myth, Peggy Mann states â⠂¬Å"Most kids are fully convinced that the use of Marijuana is not harmful. But new medical research proves them dead wrong.† Thus, marijuana does cause mental and physical corruption to the user. The mental damage is to memory andRead MoreThe Positive and Negative Aspects of Video Games in Society968 Words   |  4 Pageswith others online. Video games is almost available everywhere, from video consoles to cell phones, most Americans have played a video game before. The American myth is that Americans mostly view video games as a way to pass time, but they never see pass it to notice the influence and impacts it have in society. Americans believe this myth because our culture focuses more on what the public media broadcasts. There are cases where positive and negative aspects of video games were shown, but in realityRead MoreUnderstanding Schizophreni How Do You Know?1916 Words   |  8 Pagesmain factors of schizophrenia is genetics. Despite the fact that there has been n o specific gene linked to the cause of schizophrenia, there is a gene related to the risk of one developing schizophrenia known as the brain derived neurotropic factor (Egan, Weinberger, Lu, 2003). This brain deriving factor is known to effect the hippocampus, this aids in the creation of impairments of individuals with schizophrenia. Perhaps one of the most interesting elements in the development of schizophrenia is thatRead MoreThe Negative Effect Of Youth Health Essay1734 Words   |  7 Pagesmag. All these advertising elements may seem positive, may it be the pretty colours, gorgeous people, catchy phrases. These potential positive things are having a negative effect on youth health, as the unhealthy, unrealistic images portrayed are brain washing our younger society into unhealthy habits and ways of living. Goodman (1999), research found that the average young person views more than 3000 ads per day on television, on the Internet, on billboards, and in magazines, that was in 1999,Read MoreFact, Fiction, And Perception : Understanding Schizophrenia2469 Words   |  10 Pagesmain factors of schizophrenia is genetics. Despite the fact that there has been no specific gene linked to the cause of schizophrenia, there is a gene related to the risk of one developing schizophrenia known as the brain derived neurotropic factor (Egan, Weinberger, Lu, 2003). This brain deriving factor is known to effect the hippocampus, this aids in the creation of impairments of individuals with schizophrenia. Perhaps one of the most interesting elements in the development of schizophrenia is thatRead MoreLiterature Review on African American Substance Abuse3426 Words   |  14 PagesLiterature Review Literature Review Literature presented in this review reflects research conducted during the past five years, 2007 - 2011, and addresses the phenomena of adolescent substance abuse in the African American demographic. Additionally, this literature review will address documented causes of adolescent substance abuse as presented by psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, government officials, urban-policy researchers, addiction counselors and human service professionals. OpposingRead More ADHD and Its Treatments Essay examples1852 Words   |  8 Pagestendencies. Fortunately, research and experiments have led to new and effective treatments to help those who suffer from this disorder (Dupaul 8). This research examined journal articles and internet sources on the topic to help unlock the complexities of the disorder through scientific research. It also was a way to separate the myths of the disorder from the truths, while discovering the causes, diagnosis methods, and best treatment alternatives to ba ttle this prevalent disorder.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1902, a physicianRead MoreThe And Intention Of The Juvenile Court System Essay2438 Words   |  10 Pagesthe crime committed a minor will receive one of three types of detentions; a lecture by officers, a notice of appearance detailing when and where they are to report for their case, or kept detained in juvenile hall until a judge has had a chance to review the case. There are four types of hearings a juvenile may have to attend, the first is a detention hearing and it is used as a way to see if the child needs to remain in juvenile hall until the conclusion of the case. The next is an adjudication hearingRead MoreContemporary Commercial Advertising Aimed At Youth Essay1758 Words   |  8 PagesLiterature review â€Å"Contemporary commercial advertising aimed at youth has often been counteractive to youth health and has contributed greatly to poor health outcomes.† Discuss Introduction The world as we know it in the 21st century is consumed by advertising. Everywhere we look, everywhere we go our eyes are continually be exposed to some form of advertising; televisions, media, magazines, bill boards and shops are some examples of places where we gather information from certain types of commercial