Neurodevelopment Underlying Adolescent Behavior: A Neurobiological Model

ADOLESCENT BEHAVIOR Adolescence is characterized by unique changes in motivated behaviors that reflect the typical development of cognitive, affective, and social processes. Among these changes, (1) cognitive impulsivity, (2) risk seeking, (3) affective lability and intensity, and (4) social peer primacy are considered to be critical in shaping adolescent behavior (Dahl, 2004; Ernst & Paulus, 2005; Ernst, Pine, & Hardin, 2006). Each of these behavioral characteristics is briefly addressed below.