Teens aren’t just risk machines – there’s a method to their madness
The Conversation, February 6, 2018
Filed in: Exploration & Risk Taking
Adolescent risk-taking strikes fear in the hearts of many parents. Center board member Dr. Jennifer Pfeifer and her colleagues at the University of Oregon explain how adolescents' appetite for risks is essential for learning about themselves and exploring the wider world.
Recent News
December 2, 2024
For students who are having a difficult time excelling in school, building trust with teachers and caring adults can help them cultivate confidence and a sense of belonging in academic settings. In a new KQED article, Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni explains that “adolescents are building an identity, which involves discovering things that you are good at,” and “many students mistakenly believe that academic ability is fixed rather than a developed skill.” By cultivating a growth culture in the classroom and providing positive feedback and affirmation, adults can help students cement a sense of belonging that can benefit their academic success and overall wellbeing.
November 22, 2024
Co-Executive Director Adriana Galván answers questions from the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) about her life and research prior to her upcoming keynote lecture at the 2025 CNS Meeting in Boston. “I hope that the public can gain a more positive perspective about adolescents. This period of life helps propel us into adulthood and the willingness to explore the world is a key attribute of adolescence that helps us learn through trial and error,” says Galván.
back to top
