Adolescent Peer Influence, Brain Development, and Social Behavior

Vocabulary flashcards covering key neurological structures, developmental theories, cognitive processing modes, and social behaviors in adolescence.

Substantia Nigra

A brain region within the reward circuitry that activates in response to social cues following isolation, functioning similarly to food cravings.

Ventral Striatum

A key reward region of the brain that remains quiet when an adolescent is alone but exhibits heightened activation and sensitivity when peers are present.

Orbital Frontal Cortex

A brain area involved in reward pathways and decision-making programs that displays elevated activity in adolescents during peer presence.

Dual Systems Theory

A neurodevelopmental model proposing that adolescent risk taking occurs because the socio-emotional brain network matures faster than the prefrontal cortex.

Fuzzy Trace Theory

A cognitive developmental model proposing that individuals process information and make decisions using two distinct modes: verbatim processing and gist processing.

Verbatim Processing

A mode of decision making focused on literal, concrete facts and precise statistical probabilities rather than the underlying warning or big picture.

Gist Processing

A mode of decision making centered on the big picture and the essential underlying meaning or message (such as recognizing an action is dangerous and avoiding it).

Lifespan Wisdom Model

A model suggesting that adolescent risk taking is an adaptive, dopamine-driven behavior necessary for exploration rather than a brain development deficiency.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change, retain new information, learn from new skills, and form stronger neural connections, which experiences a second major wave during adolescence.

Reminiscence Bump

The psychological tendency for adults to recall memories, life events, and preferences formed during their adolescent years more clearly than from any other life stage.

Imaginary Audience

The adolescent cognitive phenomenon where an individual believes that others are constantly observing them and focusing on their actions.

Estrogel

A form of estrogen in females linked to decreased behavioral inhibition and higher risk taking, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Dual Hormone Hypothesis

A theory proposing that prosocial behavior is regulated by endocrine interactions, specifically where high testosterone paired with low cortisol correlates with greater prosocial actions.

Sub-cliques

Smaller, close-knit subdivisions or best-friend pairings that emerge within a broader friendship clique, observed more frequently among adolescent girls.

Rumination

The act of continuously dwelling on and stewing in one's personal distress, which can be amplified into co-rumination when shared back and forth between friends.

Relational Aggression

A form of non-physical aggression aimed at damaging relationships or social standing, such as spreading rumors or intentionally ostracizing peers.