Smarter Decisions through Psychology
Making decisions based on psychology is a vital aspect of the healthcare continuum. Using what you have learned about the adolescent brain and social development, answer the questions in this case study assignment. Your goals are to help Monica understand why her son makes the choices he does and recommend some strategies that may help solve the problem.
For each question, you should write a paragraph-length response (5–7 sentences) to receive credit for this assignment. You may use your Sophia tutorials as a resource.
Question 1: What happens inside the brain of a teenager that makes it difficult for Jordan to weigh the risks and rewards of his behavior? Describe how the adolescent brain weighs risk and reward.
Question 2: Why does it appear that Jordan values the opinion of his peers more than the opinion of his mother? Explain the psychological concepts that may account for why Jordan places value on his peers’ opinions.
Question 3: What advice would you give Jordan’s mother, Monica, that would teach him how to make better choices and decisions? Discuss a specific strategy that Monica may implement to help her son make better decisions.
Question 4: If you were in Monica’s shoes, how would you feel? Explain why a better understanding of Monica’s perspective could result in more constructive advice.
Question 1: The Adolescent Brain and Risk-Reward Processing During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and considering the consequences of actions. However, the development of the prefrontal cortex occurs gradually and continues into the mid-20s, making it less mature during the teenage years.
This delayed development can affect Jordan’s ability to weigh the risks and rewards of his behavior. The limbic system, which is associated with emotions and rewards, develops earlier and becomes more sensitive during adolescence. This means that teenagers like Jordan may be more inclined to seek out rewards and exciting experiences without fully considering the potential risks involved.
Additionally, the connections between the prefrontal cortex and other parts of the brain are still developing, leading to an imbalance between the brain’s emotional centers and the rational decision-making centers. As a result, teenagers may be more impulsive, sensation-seeking, and influenced by emotions when making decisions.
Question 2: Peer Influence and Psychological Concepts Jordan’s preference for valuing the opinions of his peers over his mother can be attributed to various psychological concepts:
- Social Identity Theory: During adolescence, individuals are in the process of forming their identities. Peer groups play a crucial role in this process, and teenagers often seek approval from their peers to strengthen their sense of belonging and identity.
- Conformity and Normative Social Influence: Adolescents tend to conform to the norms and behaviors of their peer group to be accepted and avoid rejection. This desire for acceptance can lead them to prioritize their peers’ opinions and decisions.
- Adolescent Egocentrism: Teenagers may develop a sense of egocentrism during this stage of life, which can make them more sensitive to how they are perceived by their peers. This heightened self-consciousness can amplify the value placed on peer opinions.
- Risk Perception and Social Reward: Teenagers are more sensitive to social rewards, such as approval and popularity within their peer group. As a result, they may take risks or engage in certain behaviors to gain recognition and validation from their peers.
