Psychosocial Maturity and Neurodevelopment in Adolescents with Harmful Sexual Behaviors
Neuropsychology and brain research have identified developmental changes from ages 10 to 25 related to social judgment and reasoning. These changes are associated with the steep increase in delinquent behaviors, accidents, and sexually harmful behaviors during adolescence. Increased size, strength, and sexual maturity are complemented by an increase in the drive and reward centers of the brain and decreased supervi
sion during adolescence. This can involve slower development in social judgment and reasoning. Youths with delays in social judgment are at greater risk for harmful actions, including sexual behaviors.
Dr. Barbara Bonner describes early adolescence as a high-risk but transitory period for harmful sexual behaviors. Adolescence is also a period for the maturation of social judgment and greater capacity for prosocial relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the adolescent brain is approximately 80% mature, with the remaining 20% of its immaturity reflected in impulsivity. During this training, Norbert Ralph addresses five key areas:
- Brain-based developmental changes in adolescence
- Assessing psychosocial and brain maturity
- Interventions that promote healthy development
- Patterns of harmful behaviors that emerge during adolescence
- Characteristics of youths who achieve psychosocial maturity
Practical and evidence-based tools for assessment and treatment are reviewed, emphasizing open-minded assessment methods that better capture how youths think and reason. Effective interventions such as Aggression Replacement Training and Being a Pro are also highlighted for their success in promoting psychosocial maturity and reducing risk.
This training integrates relevant research on brain development, maturity, and adolescent behavior. It demonstrates that psychosocial immaturity during this stage is a significant risk factor for general delinquency and harmful sexual behaviors. Participants leave with strategies for assessing and fostering healthy development in youths.
1) Recognize three brain-based developmental changes occurring during adolescence.
2) Explain three methods used to measure brain-based devotional changes during adolescence.
3) Apply three treatment methods for promoting brain-based development changes in adolescence.
4) Describe three harmful behaviors that tend to increase in adolescence.
5) Describe three characteristics of youths who psychosocially mature in adolescence
Audience
This training is primarily for professionals who work with adolescents and youth populations, especially those at risk for or exhibiting delinquent and sexually harmful behaviors. This includes clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health clinicians, counselors, educators, probation officers, and professionals in juvenile justice or youth-serving organizations.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc., provider #233, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 06/06/2025—06/06/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.
Who's Presenting
Norbert Ralph, Ph.D, MPH
Dr. Ralph is a clinical psychologist, formerly at the Juvenile Justice Center in San Francisco, and Coordinator of the Juvenile Sexual Responsibility Program. Dr. Ralph is a psychiatric epidemiologist and neuropsychologist who has over 50 publications, including articles, book chapters, blogs, and books.
He was formerly Associate Clinical Professor in Family Practice, University of California School of Medicine at Davis, and Lecturer and Research Biostatistician in the Program in Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Trainer for Aggression Replacement Training through the California Institute for Mental Health. He completed the Transformative Leadership Vanguard Program through the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute in 2025.
He is a board member of CalATSA and was formerly on the Prevention Committee of ATSA. He is on the Conference Committee of the Forensic Mental Health Association of California. He is the juvenile treatment representative on the California Sex Offender Management Board and contributed, along with other board members, to their 2022 Youth Guidelines.