wicpsycho

By puberty, the density of dendritic spines (small knobs which receive signals from axons) in the prefrontal cortex is two to three times greater compared to that of adults.

New synapses are either strengthened or eliminated based on an individual’s experiences.  Connections and pathways that are activated more frequently get reinforced and are more likely to remain through adulthood, while those accessed less frequently are lost across the teenage years.

prefrontal cortex (where much of this synaptic reorganization occurs) in supporting functions like problem solving, self-regulation, decision making, and long term planning, one can begin to see the implications for teenage behavior

He studied people with damage in the part of the brain where emotions are generated.

they couldn’t make decisions.

emotions are very important for choosing. In fact even with what we believe are logical decisions, the very point of choice is arguably always based on emotion.

Empathy activates conscience and moral reasoning, improves happiness, curbs bullying and aggression, enhances kindness and peer inclusiveness, reduces prejudice and racism, promotes heroism and moral courage and boosts relationship satisfaction. Empathy is a key ingredient of resilience, the foundation to trust, the benchmark of humanity, and core to everything that makes a society civilized.

parents value achievement and happiness over empathy and caring.