How does the brain develop during adolescence?

During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant development that enhances various cognitive functions, leading to increased planning and decision-making skills. This developmental phase includes the maturation of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive processes such as reasoning, planning, impulse control, and decision-making. This area of the brain becomes more interconnected with other regions, leading to improved cognitive flexibility and the ability to evaluate consequences more effectively.

As adolescents refine their ability to think abstractly and critically, they also become better equipped to set and pursue long-term goals. This growth is supported by the overall increase in synaptic pruning and the strengthening of neural connections, promoting more efficient processing. Therefore, the assertion that there is an increase in planning and decision-making skills accurately reflects the cognitive advancements occurring during this pivotal developmental stage.