Why some preteens are explorers and others are not revealed

A new study has revealed that brain processes differently for preteens who constantly seek new things and experiment than the non-explorer ones.

Andrew Kayser, PhD, said that studies with adults have begun to look at individual differences in willingness to seek new experiences, and some studies have tied willingness to explore with an area of the brain called the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex, which was responsible for higher level decision-making.

The researchers compared the brain scans and identified a connection that was stronger in explorers than in non-explorers between the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex and the posterior insula and putamen, parts of the brain sensitive to the "state of the body" and "carrying out actions," respectively.

Interestingly, activity in the putamen and insula seemed to influence the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex, rather than the other way around.

This research could help in understanding how exploration could lead to both good and bad behaviors that promote or reduce well-being in teenagers, Kayser further added.