sara villanueva, ph.d. st. edward’s university. what do we mean by risk? types: behaviors that...
TRANSCRIPT
Sara Villanueva, Ph.D.
St. Edward’s University
What do we mean by risk?Types:
Behaviors that contribute to injuries and violence
Behaviors that lead to unwanted pregnancies and STIs
Alcohol or Drug use Tobacco use Unhealthy dietary and physical activities
Most teens do a few stupid things, but only a few get into real trouble
Normal tool in development (not just humans)
Teens define their identity; test abilities
Rates of risky behaviors fluctuate
Teen Risk has been around a long time, but things have changed: the environment
Involved in more motor vehicle accidents & fatalities
Commit more crimes (both property and violent crimes)
Engage in more binge drinking Are less likely to practice safe sex Attempt suicide more often
But, here is the $6 Million Dollar Question:
100% Hormones100% Peer Pressure100% Invincibility/ImmortalityPARENTS!
GeneticsContextSocial WorldEvolutionary PerspectiveThe Teen BRAIN!
Studies involving identical twins
Novelty seeking has genetic basis
No single gene to blame
Stress & Pressure Taxing on emotional
and cognitive resources Puberty happening
sooner Drugs more
serious/stronger School, Jobs, high
expectations Teen focus: Social
benefits
What does it look like?How do they maneuver it?Peer pressure in the new worldCyber bullying
Some scientists suggest that we take certain risks because through our evolutionary history it, too, has enhanced our chances for survival Makes us
“tougher/stronger” Makes us more
appealing to mates
Prefrontal Cortex Not fully developed Paradoxical effects of
brain development Teen brain programmed
to seek novelty & thrills Dopamine!
How do we keep them out of the courtroom? Truancy:
Seventeen states have laws requiring young people to stay in school or maintain a certain GPA to earn or keep their drivers licenses
ContextOffer more creative, NOVEL, but ACCEPTABLE outlets for teens to be adventurous, rebellious, etc.
Using a Jury of their Peers YOUR SUGGESTIONS