Multidimensional Approach to Teen’s Risk-Taking
Resources & Take Home Messages
Colleen Gengler, Family Relations Educator,
University of Minnesota Extension
Extension Families with Teens Resources - www.extension.umn.edu/FamilieswithTeens/
Teen Decision Making about Risky Behaviors - Take and Teach lesson; CD-08210. All the
materials needed to facilitate a parent group or a parent/teen group are on one CD: facilitator
guide, research background, handouts and activities, resource lists, presentation. Click on
“Teen Talk Resources” for ordering information.
“Understanding Adolescent Risk-taking Behavior: Online Research Update for
Professionals” is a short term, non-credit professional development opportunity offering
four clock hours. It was developed by Jodi Dworkin, Ph.D. and Colleen Gengler, M.Ed.
through University of Minnesota Extension & Family Social Science. The course will be
open for enrollment August 15, 2010. Look for details on the website.
Teen Brain Resources for Professionals and Families
Articles
Boyer, T. W. (2006). The development of risk-taking: A multi-perspective review.
Development Review, 26, 291-345.
Books
Strauch, B., (2003) Primal Teen. New York: Doubleday.
Walsh, D. (2004). Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain
for You and Your Teen. New York: Free Press.
Websites
A Parent’s Guide to the Teen Brain – Partnership for a Drug Free America;
www.drugfree.org/teenbrain -- Click on “WHY DO TEENS ACT THIS WAY? The science
in a nutshell.”
Inside the Teenage Brain;
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/interviews/todd.html -- An interview
with researcher Deborah Yurgelun-Todd
The Secret Life of the Brain; http://www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/ -- Brain anatomy, brain scans
and brain development by age
Scientific Learning. Brain Connections. www.brainconnection.com -- Connecting brain
development to education
Take Home Messages – Brain Development
Although brain development is very complex, there are some key points that are helpful and useful
to keep in mind.
The brain isn’t fully developed until the mid-twenties. We used to think the brain was fully
functioning by the teen years; all that needed to happen was the teen acquiring more
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knowledge and experience. Now we know this just isn’t so. The brain structure isn’t yet
complete.
Teen brain development is closely linked with all the other changes going on for teens:
puberty, social & emotional changes, changes in thinking. But, all of these things are on a
little different timetable making how teens grow and develop even more complex and a little
confusing for parents, teens, and professionals alike.
Knowing that the teen brain isn’t fully developed is no excuse for a parent or teacher to say
“I can’t do anything about that”. Rather, it is all the more reason for a parent to say “I have
to make sure I give my teen reminders of the rules. I’m going to have to repeat those often.”
Teachers and other professionals working with teens may also need to give teens reminders.
The key area that is still under construction in the teen brain is the pre-frontal cortex.
Sometimes adults need to be that “pre-frontal cortex” for teens. That means having structure
through rules plus good communication.
Knowing some basics about brain development helps adults work with and understand teens
better.
Knowing some basics about brain development helps teens understand themselves better.
Additional Consumer Decision Making Resources
Compiled by Sara Croymans, Extension Educator, Family Resource Management,
University of Minnesota Extension
Articles:
Dybdal, L., & Sondag, K. (2000). Developing decision-making skills through the use of
critical incidents. Journal of Health Education, 31(2), 115-117.
Elias, M. J., & Tobias, S. E. (1990). Problem Solving/Decision making for social and
academic success.
Mann, L., Harmoni, R., & Power, C. (1989). Adolescent decision-making: The development
of competence. Journal of Adolescence, 12(3), 265-278.
Mincemoyer, C., & Perkins, D. (2003). Assessing decision-making skills of youth. Forum
for Family and Consumer Issues, , 8(1) 1-9.
Olshavsky, R. W., & Granbois, D. H. (1979). Consumer decision making-fact or fiction?
Journal of Consumer Research, 6(2), 93-100.)
Olson, C. A., & Croymans, S. R. (2008). Strengthening 4-H youth consumer
decisionmaking skills: Contest to community service. Journal of Extension, 46(1)
Ormond, C., Luszcz, M. A., Mann, L., & Beswick, G. (1991). A metacognitive analysis of
decision making in adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 14(3), 275-291.
Websites:
University of MN Extension Youth & Money http://www.extension.umn.edu/Youth&Money/
MN 4-H Consumer Decision Making program – sample classes to practice decision making
skills: http://www1.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4H/events/ConsumerDecMaking/index.html
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University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
This material is available in alternative formats upon request. Contact 612-626-6602.
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