Emotional and Brain Development: Regulation, Synaptogenesis, and Stress Impact

What areas of the brain are involved in cognitive regulation?

The parietal and prefrontal areas.

What is the role of the emotional network in the brain?

It includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and nucleus accumbens, mediating negative emotions like fear and anxiety.

What is synaptogenesis?

The process where the brain has up to twice as many synapses at ages 2-3 compared to adulthood, with unused connections being pruned during childhood and adolescence.

What is the developmental mismatch hypothesis?

It suggests that while subcortical regions are mature, the prefrontal cortex is still developing, leading to enhanced salience of emotional contexts or rewards in youth.

What significant changes occur in the brain from ages 18-24?

There are huge changes in the cortex, with improved control of amygdala activation by the prefrontal cortex.

What are some key developmental changes from childhood to adolescence?

Improved strength, speed, reaction time, mental reasoning abilities, and increased resistance to environmental stressors.

How does puberty relate to brain development?

It is particularly tied to limbic development and the drive for increasing autonomy and independence.

What impact does stress have on the brain?

Stress can shrink the prefrontal cortex and enhance the amygdala, leading to increased anxiety and impulsive behavior.

What is the importance of self-regulation in brain development?

Developing healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for ensuring positive brain development.

How can love and kindness affect mental health?

Practicing love, gratitude, empathy, and joy can enhance personal well-being and positively influence others.

What are the effects of smiling and showing kindness?

They can have a profound impact on both the giver and receiver, improving mental health and fostering a supportive community.

What is the relationship between emotional regulation and cognitive control?

Effective regulation involves the control of the emotional network by the cognitive network, particularly the prefrontal cortex.

What happens to the cognitive network between ages 14-20?

The most dramatic structural changes are observed, with the cognitive network being the last to fully mature.

What is the role of synaptic pruning in brain development?

It is a process that eliminates unused connections, impacting brain structure and function.

What are some characteristics of children exposed to stress and trauma?

They may exhibit underactive prefrontal areas, thinner prefrontal cortices, and larger, more reactive emotional regions of the brain.

What is the significance of planning for the future in cognitive development?

It involves weighing future consequences and is part of flexible thinking and perspective taking.

What does the term 'top down' refer to in emotional regulation?

It refers to self-regulation processes that originate from higher cognitive functions.

What does 'bottom up' refer to in the context of emotional dysregulation?

It refers to emotional responses that arise from lower brain functions, often leading to dysregulation.