engleski

Neural Correlates of Error Processing in Late Adolescence and Young Adulthood: an Electrophysiological Study

Background and aims: Recognizing errors and their outcomes is fundamental for behavioural regulation and optimization. In the scalp-recorded EEG, error processing is reflected in two components: the error-related negativity (ERN) which appears shortly after an error occurs, and the error positivity (Pe) which appears somewhat later and reflects conscious error recognition and strategic adjustment. Late adolescence is the age of important changes, such as completing education and finding a full-time job, which require particular skills essential for success in everyday living. The optimal use of these skills depends on brain-based control mechanisms that seem to still develop into early 20s. The aim of this study was to investigate whether performance and brain dynamics of error processing differ between late adolescents and adults. Methods: 95 participants ages 19–44 were included in the study, divided into three age groups: late adolescents (ages 19–21), young adults (ages 23–26), and mid adults (ages 28–44). Each participant completed a number of standardized psychological tests and questionnaires, and event-related (ERP) brain activity was recorded during a Go/No-Go response inhibition task. Results: Performance results revealed that late adolescents made more errors compared to young or mid adults, and both younger groups made these errors significantly faster than mid adults. ERPs showed reduced ERN and enhanced Pe in late adolescents compared to mid adults. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the processes of error detection and conscious evaluation still change in late adolescence, and these changes are reflected in performance differences. This outcome fits well with the findings that point to significance of the ongoing structural and functional maturation of the underlying brain regions at this developmental stage. Although already functioning at a relative early age, the error processing system is not yet fully mature in late adolescence.

error monitoring, ERN, Pe, young adulthood, ERP

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