Neuroscience-Inspired, Behavioral Change Program for University Students.
It is clear that environmental influences impact the structure and function of the human brain, and thus, thoughts, actions, and behaviors. These in turn influence whether an individual engages in high-risk (drugs, alcohol, violence) or health-promoting (exercise, meditation, music) activities. The developmental mismatch between cortical and subcortical maturation of the transitional age brain places college students at risk for negative outcomes. This article argues that the prescription of incentive-based behavioral change and brain-building activities simply make good scientific, programmatic, and financial sense for colleges and universities. The authors present University of Vermont Wellness Environment as an example.
University of Vermont College of Medicine and Medical Center, FAHC-UHC Campus, Box 364SJ3, Room 3213 St. Joseph, Burlington, VT 05401-3456, USA. Electronic address: james.hudziak@uvm.edu.
James J
JJ
Hudziak
Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
Gesa L
GL
Tiemeier
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006803:Human Development / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
Behavioral change; Critical period; Developmental mismatch; Health promotion; Transitional age brain development