Last Minute Lecture

Health, Risk, and Sexuality in Emerging Adulthood — Summary of Chapter 17 from The Developing Person Emerging adulthood, typically ranging from ages 18 to 25, is a unique life stage defined by physical peak performance, increased autonomy, and exploration in health, risk, and relationships. Chapter 17 of The Developing Person Through the Life Span offers a comprehensive look into the biosocial development of individuals during this critical period. This blog post summarizes the key concepts covered in the chapter to support students and educators alike in understanding this transitional phase of adulthood. 🎥 Watch the full podcast summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for chapter-by-chapter academic breakdowns from leading psychology textbooks. Peak Physical and Biological Development Emerging adults enjoy optimal physical health during this stage, marked by peak strength, organ efficiency, and reproductive capacity. These benefits are supported by: Orga...

Executive Function, Memory & Risk-Taking — Neuroscience for Dummies Chapter 14 Summary Welcome back to Last Minute Lecture ! In this podcast-style summary of Chapter 14 from Neuroscience for Dummies (3rd Edition) , we focus on the brain’s most complex region—the prefrontal cortex —and its essential role in decision-making, memory, and behavior regulation. This chapter explores how executive functions develop, how we regulate impulses, and why some people are more prone to risky behavior or perseveration. The Prefrontal Cortex & Executive Control The prefrontal cortex is the brain’s command center for executive functions—goal-setting, planning, and behavioral inhibition. Its evolution in primates and humans has allowed for more complex, flexible thinking and long-term decision-making. This area is central to regulating our responses, planning future actions, and interpreting social consequences. Within the prefrontal cortex, working memory is supported by fast brai...