The Adolescent Brain

Preface About the Author 1. Adolescence in Contemporary Society: Being Somewhat Confused Confusion Within Adolescents Confusion About Adolescents An Introduction to the Issues Explored in Subsequent Chapters 2. Brain Organization and Development: Being Human Mirror Neurons The Organization of the Human Brain The Development of the Human Brain Maintaining a Developing Brain 3. Sexuality and Bonding: Maintaining Our Species Biological Differences Interpreting Gender Differences Cultural Confusion Human Bonding Behavior Emerging Cultural Conflicts The Hazards of Sexual Pleasure 4. Productivity and Vocation: Maintaining Our Planet A 21st-Century Curriculum for 21st-Century Students A 21st-Century Vocation Home, School, and Vocation 5. Morality and Ethics: Maintaining Our Culture Factual Knowledge and Decisions Adaptive Preferences and Choices The Development of Our Moral/Ethical Base 6. Risks and Security: Going Beyond the Known Our Brain's Regulatory Systems From Emotional Arousal to Conscious Decision The Biology of Risk and Security Adults and Adolescent Risks 7. Technology and Drugs: Going Beyond Nature Biological Stress Technological Enhancement Drug Support Psychoactive Drugs: A Primer 8. The Arts and Humanities: Going Beyond Reality Adornment Language, Music, and Dance The Humanities 9. Collaboration and Autonomy: Going Beyond Adolescence Collaboration The Reach for Autonomy Appendix A: Neurotransmitters and Neural Transmission Appendix B: The Cerebral Cortex Glossary References and Resources Index