Understanding Teenage Behaviour: Insights from Nicola Morgan's "Blame My Brain"
Nicola Morgan's book "Blame My Brain" offers invaluable insights into the complex world of teenage behaviour, exploring the physiological, neurological, and chemical changes that occur during adolescence. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key points raised by Morgan and examine how these changes impact teenagers' behaviours and emotions.
The Teenage Brain: A Rollercoaster of Change
Morgan highlights that adolescence is a period of profound physiological and neurological development, characterised by significant changes in the brain's structure and function. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, undergoes extensive rewiring during adolescence, leading to fluctuations in behaviour and mood.
Hormonal Havoc: Understanding Chemical Changes
Hormonal changes play a crucial role in shaping teenage behaviour, with surges in hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, and cortisol influencing mood, motivation, and social interactions. Morgan explains how fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to mood swings, heightened sensitivity, and increased risk-taking behaviour during adolescence.
Impacts on Behaviour and Emotions
The interplay of physiological, neurological, and chemical changes in the teenage brain has profound implications for behaviour and emotions. Morgan discusses how teenagers may exhibit impulsivity, moodiness, and heightened emotional responses due to the ongoing development of the brain's reward and emotion processing systems.
Strategies for Understanding and Supporting Teenagers
Morgan's book is written for teenagers but also provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking to understand and support teenagers during this turbulent period of development. By recognising the biological factors influencing teenage behaviour, adults can adopt a compassionate and empathetic approach, fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and providing guidance and support.
Conclusion: Empowering Teenagers and Those Who Support Them
"Blame My Brain" offers a compelling exploration of the physiological, neurological, and chemical changes that shape teenage behaviour. By understanding the biological underpinnings of adolescence, we can better navigate the challenges and complexities of teenage life, empowering teenagers to thrive and supporting them on their journey to adulthood.
Here’s some links and purchasing options to obtain your copy of Nicola Morgan’s book, ‘Blame my Brain’
You can also borrow the book from your local library or the digital library
Borrow Box (ebook)