Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025
07:15
Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
1.9K
Contextualizing adolescent structural brain development: Environmental determinants and mental health outcomes
Lia Ferschmann1, Marieke G N Bos2, Megan M Herting3
1PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Adolescent brain development is influenced by environmental factors, not just genetics. Understanding these influences is key to adolescent mental health research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Group-level patterns of brain development are documented.
- Research increasingly focuses on individual variability and environmental influences.
- Adolescence is a critical period of cognitive and affective system refinement amid contextual changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore associations between environmental factors and adolescent brain structural development.
- To investigate potential links between these associations and adolescent mental health.
- To consider methodological approaches for future research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on environmental influences on brain development.
- Discussion of transactional interplay between environment and brain structure.
- Exploration of connections to mental health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Genetic and perinatal factors are important but environmental interplay is increasingly recognized.
- Adolescent brain development is sensitive to physical and social environmental aspects.
- These environmental factors may be linked to mental health during adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors play a significant role in adolescent brain structural development.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between environment, brain development, and mental health.
- Methodological advancements are crucial for future studies in this field.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
426
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
426
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
177
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
177
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
227
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
227
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
181
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
181
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
186
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
186
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
66
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
66