Anita Cannot Understand Why Adolescents Are More Likely Than Any

question 19

Essay

Anita cannot understand why adolescents are more likely than any other age group to engage in risky behaviors. She has learned in class that individuals undergo significant cognitive advancements during adolescence, and in fact, many adolescents aged 15 and older use the same basic processes that adults use to make decisions. Your instructor has asked you to explain to Anita why risk taking may peak during adolescence. What do you tell her?

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Definitions:

Efferent Nerve Fibres

Nerve fibers that conduct signals away from the central nervous system to effector cells and organs, regulating their activity.

Central Nervous System

The primary information-processing center of the body, comprising the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting neural signals.

Endorphins

Natural, pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body that promote a sense of well-being or happiness.

Opiates

Drugs derived from opium that are capable of inducing a state of euphoria, sleep, or pain relief.