Xavier, 16, invites a group of his high school friends to swim in a neighbor's pool late at night while that neighbor is away. They climb the fence and jump in, playing wildly and loudly in the water. A few minutes later, the police arrive. How does adolescent brain development help explain Xavier's poor decision-making?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Xavier's poor decision-making can be explained by the underdevelopment of his prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. The prefrontal cortex continues to develop throughout adolescence and isn't fully matured until the mid-20s. This can lead teenagers to make impulsive and risky decisions without fully considering the consequences.

Xavier, 16, Invites a Group of His High School Friends