Thrills, Self-Control, and Responsibility

Teenagers have trouble thinking about the future when making decisions in the present.  Not news.  The debate on the developmental neuropsychology – and policy-making – tables seems to be whether this inability to be future-minded has more to do with adolescent brain immaturity related to decision-making and self control or with governing sensation-seeking. This article outlines a recent study along those lines.

Trying to make sense of this: the adolescent brain is immature on multiple levels related to decision-making.  One level involves the ability to practice self-control.  This system continues to mature well after age 16, leading some to suggest that the age for legal driving (among other things) should be increased.  But a new study looks at another brain function, related but distinct.  This regulates thrill-seeking.  Between the ages of 10-16, the system governing sensation-seeking in the brain is highly active. This apparently increases the likelihood that teens will make short-sighted decisions-not necessarily because of their impulsivity or lack of self-control, but out of a drive to feel, to seek thrills.

Of course, these functions are related, and a host of other factors play into teen decision-making.  We might look at this research and say that adolescence is in fact the “perfect storm” of development in the brain, body, relationships, and culture that from time to time (even daily) completely overwhelm kids and their ability to make appropriate decisions.¹

None of this, however, really gets at the issues of responsibility and accountability for those short-sighted decisions.  How are we to develop appropriate expectations for kids in our ministries based on what we know about their brains and bodies?  And how do we approach thrill-seeking behaviors in ministry?  To what extent should younger students’ increased desire for sensation influence the ways we communicate the gospel, worship, build community, and serve others?  To what extent could an over-emphasis on thrill-seeking in ministry stunt kids’ ability to forge a faith that lasts beyond their youth group years?

What do you think? How should research like this influence how we do what we do in youth ministry?

1. For more insights on adolescent brain development and its implications, listen to this interview with psychologist Kelly Schwartz. [↩]

©2009 Fuller Youth Institute