Table 1.

Differences between Imbalance Models and Lifespan Wisdom Model.

Imbalance Model	Life-span Wisdom Model
Slower development of PFC and its connection with limbic system results in imbalance that outweighs cognitive control over impulsive urges during adolescence (Fig. 1).	Cognitive control and dopaminergic activation rise in tandem during adolescence; much of adolescent risk taking is exploratory in keeping with the role of dopamine as a signal for novel reward (Fig. 6).
Rise in risk taking and incidence of health compromising behavior during adolescence reflects developmental imbalance.	Risk taking takes at least three forms, with different developmental trajectories (Fig. 5). The form most closely associated with imbalance reflects insensitivity to risk and applies primarily to youth with early elevated levels of impulsive behavior.
Peak in sensation seeking during adolescence produces more risk taking than in children or adults.	Peak in sensation seeking during adolescence motivates greater exploration in ambiguous environments, but risk taking declines monotonically from childhood to adulthood when risks are known, per greater reliance on gist and increasing executive function (Fig. 5).
Imbalance leads to increased injury and maladaptive outcomes during adolescence.	Timing of many maladaptive outcomes occurs in early adulthood when imbalance should be minimal; maladaptive outcomes are more related to high levels of impulsivity combined with risk opportunity and inexperience than to developmental imbalance.
Socioemotional influences excite the dopaminergic system and promote risk taking.	Socioemotional influences can promote risk taking, but social experience (interacting with peers) and positive social influences can promote healthy risk avoidance.
Main emphasis on brain maturation, rather than experience or interventions that can promote adaptive brain development. No predictions about life-span cognitive control or increase in wisdom.	Acknowledges brain maturation that reflects growth in experience and potential interventions to promote healthy decision making by increasing reliance on experience and wisdom.