Resource Library

STUDY: The Need to Contribute During Adolescence

November 15, 2019 | Filed in: Relevant Studies

Adolescents are increasingly capable of making meaningful contributions to others. Contributing in substantive ways promotes the autonomy, identity, and relationship skills adolescents are developing. This article from Perspectives on Psychological Science looks at the neural and biological foundations of the need to contribute, and how social environments can provide opportunities for young…

STUDY: Understanding Adolescence as a Period of Social-affective Engagement and Goal Flexibility

November 15, 2019 | Filed in: Relevant Studies

In this 2012 Nature article, the authors provide evidence that the changes in social and emotional processing during adolescence that underlie vulnerabilities such as risk taking can also be adaptive in the face of the rapidly changing social contexts of these years.

STUDY: Why Interventions to Influence Adolescent Behavior Often Fail but Could Succeed

November 15, 2019 | Filed in: Relevant Studies

Traditional programs to encourage healthy behavior are not always effective and can even be counter-productive during adolescence. The authors review evidence that effective preventive interventions for middle adolescents (ages 13 to 17) often harness adolescents heightened sensitivity to respect and status.