Summary Of Neuroplasticity By Susan Galle

Susana A. Galle embodies the eclectic viewpoints of modern psychologists, blending the influence of traditional schools with contemporary perspectives. Her research regarding adolescent psychotherapy and the malleable nature of a developing mind encompass a wide range, from the biopsychological aspect of plasticity to individual case studies demonstrating psychotherapy methods. Galle introduces her research by educating the reader on the concept of neuroplasticity, the reorganization of brain connectivity through experience. Immediately, this definition is reminiscent of humanistic beliefs: believing that the mind is shaped by subjective experience. However, this time, Galle effectively applies a biological take on this, stating that the very
Her view on neuroplasticity manages to account for many studied schools of thought. Freudian and neo-Freudian beliefs combine to form the concept that neuroplasticity results in sex, power, and recognition acting as unconscious motives that lead adolescents to engage in risky behavior. Humanism embodies Galle’s views on the brain being shaped by subjective experience. There are mentions to behaviorism, stating that reinforcement leads to enhanced neurocircuitry patterns. Functionalism is relevant to neuroplasticity in their definitions and principles; Functionalism focuses on individuals adjusting their behavior to adapt to the environment while plasticity often refers to the brain adjusting to environment and experience. Most prominent within the research are the modern biological and sociocultural perspective. These are discussed in depth through the development of the mind and chemical changes affecting adolescents, paving the idea of plasticity. In turn, this opens the mind up, leaving the individuals especially prone to social sway. Again, Galle took an unbelievably eclectic viewpoint when conducting her
When young individuals with severe disorders were prescribed psychotropic drugs, case studies found that they often responded poorly. In turn, their parents opted for their child to utilize yoga and the practice of mindfulness, in addition to cognitive and dynamic psychotherapy. These alternative treatment combinations prompted far more improvement than mood-altering medicine in the observed adolescents. This struck as especially interesting because it shows pharmacotherapy not being as effective, essentially skirting around the biological factor surrounding mental health treatment. If a drug that is meant to repress symptoms fails, how can an Ancient Indian physical exercise fare better? It would lead one to believe that engaging in yoga transcends the biological perspective, directly affecting mood in a positive manner without consulting the mind. Instead, Galle, who takes a biological stance throughout the article, would argue that adolescents, due to plasticity and an undeveloped mind, respond poorly to medicine and benefit greater from the therapeutic exercises during this “turbulent stage of development”. She reaches the conclusion that in these cases, a “biopsychosocial and health-building model” is most successful in reaching the full positive potential of neuroplasticity among adolescents. From this, Galle draws that