Self disclosure during adolescence

Description: While sharing information about oneself is known to be intrinsically rewarding in adults, it remains unknown whether similar motivations are present during adolescence - a period of marked social and affective changes. This question was examined in a sample of early adolescent girls (N = 125, ages 10.0-13.0 years) who completed an fMRI adaptation of a monetary choice task on self-disclosure. Neural analyses identified extensive engagement of regions that support reward, social cognition and emotion regulation when engaging in disclosure. Adolescents were also engaged a number of socio-affective "centres" to a greater extent when disclosing intimate information. Findings highlight both the value and risks associated with self-disclosure during this time of increased peer sensitivity.

Communities: developmental