Mary Markowski

DECISION MAKING &THE TEENAGE BRAIN

VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE?

Who would like to reach inside the bag for us?

WHY?

Prefrontal cortex (decision making ) not fully developed yet• Tough to make good, logical decisions for the long termAmygdala (part of limbic or reward system) is swollen• so it’s sensitive to new, exciting experiences and overreacts to negative

experiences• Makes Addictions PEAK now!!!!!Brain is STILL GROWING• usually stops around age _____• ……….25

• Bottom Line: TEENS are PHYSIOLOGICALLY impaired • HEALTHY DECISIONS are more difficult to make now

TEEN BRAIN DIFFERENCES

• Think of all the little and big decisions you have made within:

• The past 24 hours• The past week• The past year

• They all add up to shape our health & life!

BEHAVIOR AND CHOICES

HEALTHY DECISION MAKING PROCESS

1. Identify decision to be made and Think about options.

2. **Predict consequences of each option.• Advantages/Disadvantages or a Pro/Con list• Throw out any options that could lead to trouble. If your not sure, ask yourself.• Is it against the law school or family rules, or teachings of my religion?• Is it harmful to me or others?• Would it disappoint my family or other adults important to me?• Would I be hurt or upset if someone did this to me?

3. Choose best option. And Do it.4. **Rethink your decision• How did things turn out? You can ALWAYS do it differently next time.

Why do we decide to do things, even though we know they are risky or may hurt us in the long run?• Anger, yelling, hitting, threatening, fighting• Cigarettes, Alcohol, marijuana, Rx drugs• Skip School, Harassment/bullying• Sexual decisions, partners, condoms (or not)• Food and sleep choices

Write answers on the handout

LET’S TALK