How 18 Became the Legal Age Ft: Science

From finally being able to drive on your own to starting College and probably taking the first sip of alcohol.The age of 18 is seen as a huge milestone in an adolescent’s life. But, why 18, neither 16 nor 25. Join me as I narrate you on how 18 was made the legal age in the views of science .

Why 18 and the science behind it:

History and culture don’t seem to provide a reasonable answer as varying changes regarding the age of maturity and cultural views can leave one confused. Thanks to neuroscience we can finally get a clearer view on why the legal age was set to 18. With that let us see what science has to say regarding this.

Reduction in gray matter and increase in white matter:

The gray matter facilitates communication at short ranges creating a dense information processing hubs.While reduction might seem like a bad thing, what’s actually happening is selective pruning.Connections that are use are strengthened whereas the underused ones are weeded away. Thus resulting in a brain which is fine tuned for it’s environment and energy efficient. On the other hand, there is an increase in white matter.Which refers to the connections that are myelinated and coated in a layer of insulation. Thus, allowing fast, far range communication between information hubs.These parts connect the areas that signal the pleasure of immediate reward with the regions that help us plan ahead.

Psychosocial Development:

Erik Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development places 18 year old in the”identity vs role confusion” stage. By this age while individuals are still forming their personal identities but, still may be in the process of solidifying their sense of self. Despite this, society views them as ready to take on adult responsibilities like voting ,working and entering contracts as they are nearing the completion of key developmental phases associated with adolescence. Identity vs role confusion is a stage characterized by asking the question “Who Am I” and learning more about your own goals, values and beliefs. Erickson defines identity as a ” fundamental organizing principle which develops constantly throughout the lifespan”.

Brain Development:

Neuroscience shows that the brain particularly the prefrontal cortex(responsible for decision making,impulse control,and reasoning),continues to develop well into the mid-20s.However by the age of 18 significant maturation has occurred,especially in the areas related to emotional regulation and executive function. So, while not having full maturity as the late 20s, an 18 year old has more advanced cognitive abilities than an younger teenager, but may not have the same judgment and impulse control as an older adult.

Cognitive Development:

Cognitive psychologists point to developmental milestones in reasoning, problem solving and abstract thinking that occur by late adolescence. By 18 most people can think more logically and handle complex decision-making tasks. While their emotional responses and decisions-making tasks may be still influenced by peer pressure and short term rewards, they are generally considered capable of understanding the consequences of their actions. Cognitive development includes setting up career goals and interest towards activities related to adulthood.

Society and cultural norms:

Culturally many societies begin granting adult responsibilities and individuals in their late teens,partly because they are expected to start contributing economically or socially,often entering the workforce or higher education. Even with the certain cognitive and developments still ongoing this period is seen as the right time to start assuming legal and social responsibilities.