Failure to Connect by Jane M. Healy Ph.D

Author:Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER

Emotion and the Brain

“A central theme in the study of critical periods in brain development is that the effects of disturbances are likely to be more profound and longer lasting for a growing brain than for a mature brain.”

Ottfried Spreen in Developmental Neuropsychology 8

In our increasingly electronic world we witness escalating attention-deficit disorder, antisocial behavior, poor motivation, depression, and ineffectual work habits. All these originate in the brain’s emotional centers. As in the thinking brain, the habits and connections in this “feeling” brain are sculpted during childhood. Its most important needs can’t be met electronically: frequent and affectionate human interaction, models of thoughtful behavior, and physical exercise are far more important. As part of this system, for example, circuits regulating aggression are malleable through childhood, 9 and many scientists are convinced that too many violent computer games—coupled with too little human affection—may negatively affect susceptible individuals. In fact, conduct disorder—in which the rights of others and the rules of society are violated—has increased dramatically in the United States and is now one of the most frequently diagnosed problems of childhood and adolescence. 10 While computer use alone is certainly not going to bring on such serious consequences, it may subtly contribute to problems that result from neglect of the “feeling” brain’s development.

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