Teenagers are as logical as adults but lack their social and emotional maturity. This might not be a surprise to too many parents but it comes as the result of a study of 935 10-30 year-olds by researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia. Participants in the study were tested on their psychosocial maturity, including tests of impulse control, sensation seeking, resistance to peer influence, future orientation (jam today vs jam tomorrow) and risk perception. They were also tested on their cognitive abilities such as logical thinking. There were no differences in psychosocial maturity throughout the 10-17 year-old age group but there were differences between those who were 16-17 and those 22 and over, and between those who were 18-21 and those above 26. People's cognitive capacities got better from 11-16 but their was no improvement thereafter.
You can find out more about this research at
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007153745.htm
- Arthur Becker-Weidman, PhD
- NY, United States
- Arthur Becker-Weidman, CSW-R, PhD.DABPS received his doctorate in Human Development from the University of Maryland, Institute for Child Study. He achieved Diplomate status from the American Board of Psychological Specialties in Child Psychology and Forensic Psychology. He is a member of the American College of Forensic Examiners.
Dr. Becker-Weidman has over twenty years experience as a family therapist, consultant, and researcher. He has directed mental health, addiction treatment, family service, and other behavioral health organizations.
Dr. Becker-Weidman has extensive experience counseling families and helping them through difficult times with practical advice. He has published over a dozen scholarly papers and presented at numerous national, regional, and local professional meetings. Much of his research and publications have focused on adolescent and adoptive family development.
1 comment:
I'll have to take a look. Our kids are 13, 17, 17, 20 and 24. We have to figure RAD into a couple though.
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