Brain-Related Development of the Social Self-Concept during Adolescence. A Neuroscientific Approach

In the following passages I want to provide a neuroscientific approach, an overview of the development of the social self-concept and its relation to the development of specific brain regions during adolescence. First, I will introduce the notion of (social) self-concept and how it is individually expressed during different developmental ontogenetic stages. Then I will refer to relevant brain regions and their general and social cognitive functions which are crucial related to the self-concept. The association between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the (social) self-concept is especially discussed. I will finish with a brief conclusion which also mentions possible related topics for future research.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Brain-related development of the social self-concept during adolescence: a neuroscientific approach
• Self-concept as a dynamic ontogenetic construction
• Specific brain regions that are related to the self-concept and their general functions
• Development of the social self-concept during adolescence and associated brain regions

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to provide a neuroscientific perspective on the development of the social self-concept during adolescence, examining the interplay between brain maturation and the evolving self-image. It specifically explores the association between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the social self-concept during this crucial developmental phase.

• The dynamic construction of the self-concept across developmental stages
• The role of specific brain regions in self-reflection and social cognition
• The development of the social self-concept during adolescence, particularly related to the mPFC
• The influence of social roles, peer relationships, and environmental changes on self-concept development
• The interplay between brain development and self-concept formation.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The first section introduces the concept of the social self-concept, outlining its multifaceted nature and how it evolves across different developmental stages. The paper emphasizes the dynamic and interconnected nature of the self-concept, highlighting the influence of age, context, and social interactions on its formation.
• The second section delves into the brain regions associated with the self-concept and their general functions. It explores the roles of various cortical and subcortical structures, including the prefrontal cortex, temporal parietal junction, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, in facilitating self-reflection, social cognition, emotional processing, and memory.
• The third section focuses on the development of the social self-concept during adolescence, examining the brain regions involved in this process. It discusses the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in self-referential thoughts, perspective-taking, and judgment-making, highlighting the significant changes occurring in this area during adolescence. The section also explores the interplay between brain development and the evolving self-concept during this critical period.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the brain-related development of the social self-concept during adolescence, examining the interplay between brain maturation and the evolving self-image. The key concepts explored include the social self-concept, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), social cognition, perspective-taking, brain development, adolescence, and self-reflection.

Details

• College: Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Institut für Philosophie)
• Course: Neurowissenschaften der Entwicklung
• Author: Anonym (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 10
• Catalog Number: V1337437
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346845504
• Language: English
• Tags: social self-concept adolescence brain-related development