How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Adolescence: How to Build an Adult (From the Archive)
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May 18, 2025 Leah Somerville, a Harvard psychology professor, and Connor Wood, a research scholar specializing in rituals, dive into the complex world of adolescence. They discuss how adolescence is a critical transitional stage, highlighting the unique development of the adolescent brain. The conversation reveals the importance of rites of passage in helping young people navigate adulthood. They also touch on the cultural significance of these rituals and the challenges of defining adulthood in modern America, offering insights on personal growth and societal expectations.
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Rites of Passage Mark Adulthood
- Rites of passage clarify and mark the transition from adolescence to adulthood through symbolic initiation.
- These rituals turn a long, messy maturity process into a clear social milestone recognized by the community.
Bullet-Ant Rite Proves Manhood
- The Sotere Maui tribe's bullet-ant ceremony forces boys to endure excruciating pain to prove manhood.
- Stoicism during this painful ritual signals readiness for adult responsibilities.
Unique Plasticity of Adolescent Brain
- Adolescents' brains are highly plastic and tuned to social and emotional cues, making the adolescent brain unique.
- This plasticity enables self-control development as they iteratively adapt to social roles and challenges.