Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
07:15
Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
2.4K
Adolescent stress exposure induces persistent, sex-specific cognitive deficits
Abigail Yap Flores1, Nolee V Bugarin1, Adolfo Torres1
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, United States.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|September 14, 2025
Summary
Adolescent stress impacts adult cognition differently in male and female mice. Females showed slower learning, while males exhibited impaired decision-making and attention, highlighting sex-specific cognitive consequences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent stress has lasting cognitive effects, varying by sex.
- Longitudinal studies on sex-dependent cognitive outcomes of adolescent stress are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term cognitive consequences of adolescent stress in male and female mice.
- To identify sex differences in the impact of early-life stress on adult cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Male and female mice experienced repeated stressors during adolescence.
- Adult mice were assessed on a sensory discrimination task measuring learning, memory, and attention.
Main Results:
- Stressed female mice exhibited reduced learning speed.
- Stressed male mice showed impaired delayed discrimination and increased distractibility.
- Cognitive deficits in males may stem from heightened response bias rather than sensory deficits.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent stress induces distinct, sex-specific long-term cognitive impairments.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering sex in stress-related cognitive research.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
810
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
810
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
485
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
485
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
505
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...
505
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
517
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
517
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
787
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....
787
01:24Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
287
A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are...
287