Katharina Buczek
During this simulation, the brain scans revealed that the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex was activated. This area is associated with creating and regulating emotions.
Among the participants who reported having good friendships at 13-years-old and demonstrated better resilience at 24-years-old, the researchers found they showed more positive responses to social inclusion. Additionally, they showed greater resilience in the face of stressful situations.
But, the study’s findings are less definitive regarding how much brain activity related to resilience was actually impacted by social exclusion.
More research is needed to fully grasp the influence of adolescent friendships on adult mental health.
One key area for further study is understanding how healthy friendships during teenage years might rewire the adult brain.
Moreover, figuring out the best ways to support teens who lack friends or struggle with mental health issues is also crucial. The researchers proposed that peer support group programs could be valuable, helpful options.
“Mental health among young people is a complex and nuanced area. One of the things we hope to achieve through research programs like this one is to increase both awareness and understanding that will empower young people to seek support when they need it,” Dauvermann said.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, visit the link here.
