Adolescent Brain Development and Peer Relationships

Adolescence is a critical period of development in brain growth and neural systems that influence physical, cognitive, social-emotional development. As adolescents mature cognitively and biologically, the environment and education culture changes, as they transition from a small, single classroom in the early preschool year to endless long hour classes in high school. Friendships and peer preferences also change throughout these years. It is also a time where there are high opinions and demands from peers and family, which often times can be overwhelming to adolescents. Understanding the biological and psychological changes in different parts of the brain can help determine how it affects adolescents transition to high school and peer relationships.