Page 38 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

Prefrontal Cortex:
Psychologists explain that the prefrontal cortex “helps people set and achieve goals. It receives input
from multiple regions of the brain to process information and adapts accordingly. The prefrontal cortex
contributes to a wide variety of executive functions, including: focusing one’s attention, predicting the
consequences of one’s actions; anticipating events in the environment, impulse control, managing
emotional reactions, planning for the future, and coordinating and adjusting complex behaviors (‘I can’t
do A until B happens’)” (“Prefrontal Cortex, 2020).

According to research and neuropsychologists, “One of the most important parts of brain is the
prefrontal cortex (PFC). Located directly behind the forehead, the PFC is often referred to as the “CEO”
of the brain. It is responsible for what is termed “executive functioning.” Executive function includes
performing tasks such as focusing attention, organizing thoughts and problem solving, foreseeing and
weighing possible consequences of behavior, impulse control, and modulation of emotion. Basically,
when functioning properly, the PFC is responsible for helping us to think abstractly and make good
decisions using information pertinent to a given situation” (“Prefrontal Cortex,” 2020).

Of note, the prefrontal cortex is the last of the brain structures to develop fully. Maturation is not
complete until age 25-30 years of age. When one considers this in the context of child and adolescent
development, it becomes clearer why children and adolescents think and behave the way they do. For
example, children tend to be quite concrete until around puberty, when the prefrontal cortex begins
development in earnest. In addition, adolescents often make impulsive decisions. This is another
product of a prefrontal cortex under construction” (“Prefrontal Cortex,” 2020).

Look at the following picture. You can see the prefrontal cortex area of the brain is one of the last areas
to fully develop. Does it help explain any behaviors you saw in yourself or your friends? This
understanding of the prefrontal cortex and brain development is not an excuse for poor decision
making. Many adolescents progress through these years without getting into trouble. However, it helps
explain why teenagers sometimes seem to not be able to make smart decisions.

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