A adolescence is recognized as a phase full of transformations and challenges for both young people and their parents. During this period, the adolescent brain undergoes an intense neurobiological reorganization, with areas fundamental to emotional and behavioral development, thus undergoing significant changes.
Studies have shown that this process may be associated with an intriguing phenomenon: adolescents’ inclination to ignore, underestimate or resist parental guidance, which often results in family tensions and misunderstandings.
When a young person turns 13 years old, communication with their parents tends to become more challenging
Photo: Mega Curioso/Reproduction
Recently, a group of researchers from Stanford University has dedicated themselves to studying the activities brain in children, adolescents and young adults.
The research team examined 46 boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 16 who underwent medical examinations. During the tests, they were presented with voice recordings of their mothers and unknown women in order to observe brain activity.
Surprisingly, children under 12 showed a strong neural response in the reward and emotion processing centers when they heard their mother’s voice. However, from the age of 13, this response changed.
“Teenagers are not fully aware that they are doing this. They are simply being themselves by trying to be with their friends and new companions. At this stage, their mind becomes more sensitive and feels attracted to these unknown voices,” explains Daniel Abrams, one of the researchers.
O study sparked debates about whether adolescence is a brain disease. Many have mistakenly interpreted the brain as responsible for making teenagers ignore their parents.
However, brain imaging only shows that this change occurs. Teenagers do not intentionally become insensitive to their parents, but their needs and conditions lead them to pursue new interests.
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