Humans aren't unique in having an adolescent stage, but we are pretty unique in how we react to it. Why do other species find it easier to surf the trials and turmoils of this challenging life phase than we do?
Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz's fascinating work at Harvard University and UCLA takes learnings from the animal world and applies them to questions of human health and development. Her most recent research focuses on species-wide patterns across critical transitional periods of life, including the transition from adolescence to adulthood, which is the focus of her bestselling book, Wildhood.
Barbara joins us in The Garden to explore the animal nature of human adolescence and what defines this critical life stage across species.
Read this talk's transcript50 minutes
30 minute talk
20 minute Member Q&A
In her work at Harvard University, B studies a diverse range of animals to better understand human health challenges, including heart failure, seizures, dementia, infertility, anxiety and eating disorders.
Why are animals better at navigating adolescence than human teenagers?
Why are animals better at navigating adolescence than human teenagers?
Peer pressure is a powerful influence on adolescent decision-making. What is it about the brains of teenagers that makes it so important to be liked, and to go along with the crowd?
The law has to decide at what age someone should be held accountable for their actions. What does neuroscience tell us about when that should be?
Humans aren't unique in having an adolescent stage, but we are pretty unique in how we react to it. Why do other species find it easier to surf the trials and turmoils of this challenging life phase than we do?