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Erin Hiley Sharp, Ph.D. University of New Hampshire, Department of Family Studies

Barriers to Good Decision Making in Adolescence and Practical Approaches that Can Make a Difference. Erin Hiley Sharp, Ph.D. University of New Hampshire, Department of Family Studies 21 st Century Community Learning Centers Summer Conference. Decision Making Theory.

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Erin Hiley Sharp, Ph.D. University of New Hampshire, Department of Family Studies

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  1. Barriers to Good Decision Making in Adolescence and Practical Approaches that Can Make a Difference Erin Hiley Sharp, Ph.D. University of New Hampshire, Department of Family Studies 21st Century Community Learning Centers Summer Conference

  2. Decision Making Theory 1. Identify alternative choices 2. Identify consequences that may follow each choice 3. Evaluate the costs and benefits of each possible consequence 4. Assess the likelihood of each possible consequence 5. Combine all information and make decision

  3. What kinds of things impact how adolescents make decisions?

  4. Some factors impacting adolescent decision making • Peer influence • Attitudes toward risk • Future orientation • Brain development

  5. Adolescent Brain Development & Propensity for Poor Decision Making “A tale of two brain systems”

  6. Method of Study: MRI and fMRI

  7. Traditional view of brain development “Critical period of brain development”

  8. New view of brain development • Major changes in brain during adolescence • (1) Developments in cognitive control system (prefrontal cortex) • Decreases in gray matter (synaptic pruning) • Increases in white matter (myelination)

  9. Neuron

  10. Synapse

  11. A. Decrease in gray matter in prefrontal cortex (synaptic pruning) So what?

  12. B. Increase in white matter in prefrontal cortex (myelination)

  13. Consequences? Developing in logical reasoning Reliance on other areas of the brain for decision making (amygdala)

  14. New view of brain development • Major changes in brain during adolescence • (2) Changes in socio-emotional system • Reduction in dopamine receptors • Increases in oxytocin receptors

  15. A. What is dopamine? • Dopamine = “feel good” neurotransmitter • Limbic system – pleasure center What does this have to do with adolescents?

  16. B. What is oxytocin? What does this have to do with adolescents? Oxytocin “love hormone” – social bonding

  17. Consequences? Driven to seek sensation and novelty Influenced heavily by peers Hot/cold cognition

  18. What are some implications of this research for your work and interactions with youth?

  19. Small-group discussion: What can WE do to improve the decision making of adolescents? Where/How can WE make a difference?

  20. Healthy and Positive Stimulation

  21. Support for Finding Passion/Spark

  22. Targeting Impulsive Nature

  23. What Else We Can Do • Surround youth with caring adults • Include adolescents in discussions about a variety of topics • Encourage adolescents to think independently and develop their own ideas.

  24. What Else We Can Do • Assist adolescents in setting their own goals and thinking about future. • Assist adolescents in re-evaluating poorly made decisions. • Reduce risks and reduce exposure to potentially addictive substances • Help avoid “use it or lose it”

  25. Comments? Questions? Contact Information: Erin Hiley Sharp erin.sharp@unh.edu 603-862-2151

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