Importance of investing in adolescence from a developmental science perspective

Abstract

This review summarizes the case for investing in adolescence as a period of rapid growth, learning, adaptation, and formational neurobiological development. Adolescence is a dynamic maturational period during which young lives can pivot rapidly-in both negative and positive directions. Scientific progress in understanding adolescent development provides actionable insights into windows of opportunity during which policies can have a positive impact on developmental trajectories relating to health, education, and social and economic success. Given current global changes and challenges that affect adolescents, there is a compelling need to leverage these advances in developmental science to inform strategic investments in adolescent health.

Is adolescence the missing developmental link in Microbiome–Gut–Brain axis communication?

“…The environment plays a key role in shaping gut and brain function across development, but it may be particularly relevant in adolescence. Adolescence is arguably the second largest environmental shift in development (following early life) due to concurrent changes across multiple domains of behavior and neurobiology (Dahl et al, ). We therefore propose adolescence reflects a sensitivity along the microbiome–gut–brain axis, in which the microbiome may spark change in developing neurobiological systems and behavior.…”

“…Taking a developmental science approach, we argue that several broad domains of adolescent change—specifically (a) social processes, (b) motivation and behavior, (c) neural development, (d) cognition, (e) neuroendocrine function, and (f) physical health and wellness—have clear bidirectional connections to the microbiome. We specifically focus on these domains as they represent a sensitive period of developmental programming that can have long‐term implications for functioning into adulthood (Dahl et al, ). Below, we briefly summarize how these domains link to the microbiome and the potential implications of such linkages to understanding adolescent psychobiological development (see Figure ).…”

“…Adolescence is arguably the second largest environmental shift in development (following early life) due to concurrent changes across multiple domains of behavior and neurobiology (Dahl et al, 2018).…”

“…We therefore propose adolescence reflects a sensitivity along the microbiome-gut-brain axis, in which the microbiome may spark We specifically focus on these domains as they represent a sensitive period of developmental programming that can have long-term implications for functioning into adulthood (Dahl et al, 2018). Below, we briefly summarize how these domains link to the microbiome and the potential implications of such linkages to understanding adolescent psychobiological development (see Figure 2).…”

Parent–Child Relationships in the Puberty Years: Insights From Developmental Neuroscience

“…We propose that the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive transitions beginning at puberty contribute to shifting dynamics in parent-child bonds, which could be perceived as equally adaptive and transformative as the bonds established in infancy and early childhood. These neurodevelopmental changes facilitate young people liking and wanting the high-intensity experiences, often shared with peers, associated with taking on new roles and responsibilities as they prepare to transition into adulthood (Dahl, Allen, Wilbrecht, Suleiman, 2018). At the same time, despite adolescents' eagerness to make the transition to independence, parents remain highly influential in their developmental trajectories across many domains (Dimler, Natsuaki, Hastings, Zahn-Waxler, & Klimes-Dougan, 2017;Gregson, Tu, Erath, & Pettit, 2017;Morris, Criss, Silk, & Houltberg, 2017;Stocker et al, 2017).…”