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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation
Published on: August 26, 2011
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Development of the emotional brain
B J Casey1, Aaron S Heller2, Dylan G Gee1
1Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Neuroscience Letters
|December 4, 2017
Summary
Adolescent brain development involves dynamic neural reorganization, impacting emotion reactivity and regulation. Hierarchical circuit changes underpin these gradual emotional and self-regulation shifts into adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for emotional development and self-regulation.
- The developing brain undergoes significant neural reorganization during this stage.
- Emotional reactivity and regulation are influenced by limbic and cognitive control circuitry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a neurobiological account of hierarchical neural circuit changes during adolescent emotional development.
- To explain the dynamic reorganization of neural circuitry related to emotion reactivity and regulation.
- To highlight the importance of these changes during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent neuroimaging studies on adolescent brain development.
- Analysis of circuit-based changes in limbic and cognitive control systems.
- Proposal of a hierarchical model of neural reorganization.
Main Results:
- Adolescent emotional development is characterized by a cascade of changes in neural circuitry.
- These changes progress hierarchically from subcortico-subcortical to cortico-cortical connections.
- Each level of hierarchical change is essential for subsequent development.
Conclusions:
- Hierarchical reorganization of neural circuitry is fundamental to adolescent emotional development.
- These gradual changes facilitate enhanced emotion reactivity and regulation into young adulthood.
- Understanding these neurobiological shifts is crucial for addressing adolescent emotional health.
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