Citation

van Duijvenvoorde AC, Peters S, Braams BR, Crone EA. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 2016; 70: 135-147.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Leiden University; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University. Electronic address: ecrone@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.037

PMID

27353570

Abstract

Adolescence is characterized by pronounced changes in motivated behavior, during which emphasis on potential rewards may result in an increased tendency to approach things that are novel and bring potential for positive reinforcement. While this may result in risky and health-endangering behavior, it may also lead to positive consequences, such as behavioral flexibility and greater learning. In this review we will discuss both the maladaptive and adaptive properties of heightened reward-sensitivity in adolescents by reviewing recent cognitive neuroscience findings in relation to behavioral outcomes. First, we identify brain regions involved in processing rewards in adults and adolescents. Second, we discuss how functional changes in reward-related brain activity during adolescence are related to two behavioral domains: risk taking and cognitive control. Finally, we conclude that progress lies in new levels of explanation by further integration of neural results with behavioral theories and computational models. In addition, we highlight that longitudinal measures, and a better conceptualization of adolescence and environmental determinants, are of crucial importance for understanding positive and negative developmental trajectories.

Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en