Adventure Seeking Behavior Among Adolescents

By Frank Samuelson

Adolescents, the bridge between childhood and adulthood.  Adventure seeking behaviors is seen among adolescents between the age of 11 and 15.  New information in neuro-development has given way to new understanding as to why adolescents seem driven by adventure.

What is the cause of Adventure Seeking Behavior

Risky behavior in adolescents is being influenced by the final development in the Brain. Two neurobiological systems are at work the socio-emotional system, and the cognitive control system. It is the pre-frontal cortex which is the executive center of the brain this is the area in which adults think ahead looking at consequences and plan.

However the prefrontal cortex is going through its final stage of development during adolescents. Additionally, hormones are changing. Therefore the adolescent does not always process the consequences of their actions. When the adolescent is involved in substance abuse their mental processing is even further impared.

Parents will be more equipped to understand their teens behavior if they understand the biological changes which are occurring. Understanding what is driving the Adolescent may help parents know how to nurture and guide their adolescents.

Sometimes it is important to find a safe place for the adolescents who has become out of control in there risky behavior to find help try the links below.