The amygdala plays an increased role in the decision-making process of teens compared to adults due to its involvement in emotional processing and impulsivity. During adolescence, the amygdala is still developing and maturing, while other parts of the brain involved in decision-making, such as the prefrontal cortex, are still undergoing significant development. This imbalance in brain development may lead to adolescents relying more on emotional responses and less on logical reasoning when making decisions. Additionally, hormonal changes during adolescence can further enhance the influence of the amygdala in decision-making by increasing emotional reactivity and arousal.
The amygdala plays an increased role in the decision-making process of teens than in adults due to the ongoing development of the brain during adolescence. During this period, the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions and impulses, undergoes significant changes and becomes more active. This increased activity can lead to heightened emotions and a stronger influence on decision-making in teenagers. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in rational decision-making and impulse control, is still developing in teenagers and is not fully matured until adulthood. As a result, the amygdala may have a greater impact on decision-making in teenagers because it is not yet fully regulated by the prefrontal cortex.
