Inside the rebellious mind: MRI scans record teenagers' brain activity when trying to rebel and separate from parents

A new study suggests that rebelliousness is triggered with teenagers' desire to separate from their parents in pursuing individuality. With the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), psychologists were able to track the brain activity of 22 teenagers responding to certain videos. Findings indicate the central region of their brains are more responsive when dealing with their peers rather than with dealing with their parents.

span style="line-height: 15.8599996566772px;">MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Images of the teenagers' brain activities were recorded as the participants watched separate videos of their friends and then of their parents. The brain responses from the central region of these teens, ages 16 to 18, were more active when it came to viewing their friends, especially those who were reported as engaging in risky activities, like drug use.

"The more they were activating a central part of the brain to the unfamiliar peer versus to their parents, the more risky the behavior was that they were reporting," said Darby Saxbe, assistant professor of psychology at University of Southern California, according to the Daily Mail.

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Researchers said that the MRI shows spike in activity within the precuneus, the part responsible for the control of awareness with regards to others' behaviors and thoughts, indicating that the teens are paying more interest in the lives and activities of their peers.

Although the results say that the teenagers are more adept in spending time with others, Saxbe suggests that parents should not let off their children completely. She explained that parents should think of ways on how to strengthen their bond with the kids before they hit puberty, avoiding future negative implications on their lives that may lead to dangerous activities. Children, she advised, should also keep close relationships with their parents, too.

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