I’ve recently heard people reflecting on the idea that our brains are not “fully formed” until the age of 25. This is sometimes used as a hall pass for bad behavior, a warning to hold off on making serious life decisions, or as an explanation for questionable habits. The prevailing assumption is that our prefrontal cortex, in charge of helping us plan for the future, make decisions and control our actions, isn’t fully developed until 25 years old. This is both true and not true. The bad news is that your brain might not be done forming at 25, but this might be good news in disguise.
Empirical research shows that the brain develops in stages, with different areas maturing at different rates. While our bodies are often fully grown by our late teens, the brain is a bit more complex. The prefrontal cortex is one of the last areas to finish developing to carry us into full maturation and this is the part of the brain that connects to so many of the “adult” tasks and behaviors expected of us at this stage of our lives.
Studies using MRI imaging have revealed that the process of brain maturation in the prefrontal cortex doesn’t just reach its final stage at age 25 as the adage assumes. Unfortunately, we don’t just wake up with a perfectly matured brain on our 25th birthday. This complex maturation process can continue well into the late 20s or even early 30s for some individuals. So no, maybe your brain isn’t fully formed at 25 after all.
The real-life implications of this research means that while you may have the experiences of a grown adult, your brain’s wiring is still getting fine-tuned for the long-term tasks of emotional regulation, planning for the future, and even risk assessment. So if you’re 27, 29, or 33 and still figuring out who you are and how to navigate life, know that you are right on schedule.
In fact, some researchers, like Dr. Leah Somerville from Harvard, suggest that this extended period of brain development might actually be a benefit. It allows us to remain adaptable and open to new experiences as we navigate the struggles and transitions of adulthood.
Having a brain that’s still growing in your late 20s or 30s means you have more neuroplasticity, the ability for your brain to form and reorganize new connections. That means you’re still incredibly adaptable to the challenges life throws at you and that you are resilient, teachable, and open to new experiences. Whether it’s learning a new skill, changing careers, or even evolving in your relationships, your brain is primed for growth.
With your prefrontal cortex still catching up, you’re laying the foundation for more stable emotional responses and better decision-making later in life. This doesn’t mean that you don’t know how to make decisions now if you are still in your early 20s, but it does mean that this is the time to use your brain’s neuroplasticity to your benefit. Try new things, learn new skills, grow, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. This adult-stage developmental period is the time for self-discovery.
References
Giedd, J. N., et al. (1999). Brain development during childhood and adolescence: A longitudinal MRI study. Nature Neuroscience.
Somerville, L. H. (2016). Searching for signatures of brain maturity: What are we searching for? Neuron.
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