Cognitive Control in Adolescence: Neural Underpinnings and Relation to Self-Report Behaviors
Author Information
Author(s): Jessica R. Andrews-Hanna, Kristen L. Mackiewicz Seghete, Eric D. Claus, Gregory C. Burgess, Luka Ruzic, Marie T. Banich
Primary Institution: The Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado at Boulder
Hypothesis
Adolescent behaviors are linked to under-developed proactive control mechanisms.
Conclusion
The maturation of cognitive control may be partly mediated by earlier development of neural systems supporting reactive control and delayed development of systems supporting proactive control.
Supporting Evidence
- Adolescents under-activated brain regions implicated in proactive control compared to adults.
- The magnitude of lateral prefrontal activity in adolescents predicted self-report measures of impulse control.
- Older adolescents exhibited elevated transient activity in regions implicated in response-related interference resolution.
Takeaway
As kids grow up, their brains learn to control their impulses better, but this takes time, and they might rely on quick reactions instead of planning ahead.
Methodology
The study used a hybrid block/event-related fMRI Stroop paradigm combined with self-report questionnaires.
Limitations
The study does not examine cognitive control in early adolescence and may not account for all factors influencing cognitive control.
Participant Demographics
32 adolescents (ages 14-17) and 33 adults (ages 18-25), matched on gender and parental education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.022
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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