Adolescent cognitive function: Effects of adverse environments

ISSUE: Research has consistently shown that adverse environments can lead to poor cognitive performance among adolescents. Discovering possible affects on cognitive performance is crucial because cognitive ability affects many aspects of life. For instance, it has an indirect effect on the health of an individual due to the cognitive role of decision-making. DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this paper was to critically review the emerging literature regarding the effects of adverse environments on the cognitive performance of adolescents who live in such environments. The adverse environments which were explored include: low socioeconomic status households, stressful home environments, home environments with drugs and abuse, and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Strengths and weaknesses of recent research were discussed, and a gap in the literature was identified. LESSONS LEARNED: An overwhelming amount of literature has shown that there are varying, yet, substantial negative effects on the cognitive function of adolescents who grow up in these adverse environments. RECOMMENDATIONS: There is a clear negative relationship between experiencing adverse environments as an adolescent and cognitive function. However, this critique pointed out the need to research protective factors for adolescents who are exposed to these adverse environments. Having a better understanding of protective factors would be beneficial to public health professionals when creating effective and developmentally appropriate interventions for adolescents.