Adolescent development is often examined as a period of risks and opportunities, given that brain development continues into the early twenties in interplay with social experiences. In this talk I will present evidence that the same neural sensitivity that contributes to risk-taking also contributes to prosocial behavior towards others. These findings suggest a new interpretation of the elevated reward drive in adolescence. Possibly, the very same emotional reactivity that creates sensitivities for potential negative developmental trajectories (including risk for substance abuse, delinquency, social anxiety, or depression) may under other circumstances create opportunities for positive developmental trajectories – such as by fostering social sensitivity, cooperation, sharing and helping. The current COVID-19 crisis has unprecedented effects on social experiences in adolescence. In the second half of the talk, I will present novel findings based on brain science, survey research and youth focus groups, suggesting that prosocial experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic are crucial for developing into contributing members of society, and the implications of the current crisis on these opportunities.
Organizer
Chris de Zeeuw
c.dezeeuw@erasmusmc.nl