Decision-Making, Emotion and Behaviour Regulation 18-25 Year-Olds A Neurodevelopmental Perspective (2025)

The Bugmy Bar Book is pleased to announce the publication of Decision-Making, Emotion and Behaviour Regulation 18-25 Year-Olds A Neurodevelopmental Perspective, a report by Ms Jody Kammonga, Dr Travis Wearne, Dr Liz Velutich, Dr Santuri Rungan, Dr Jenny Sohn, Dr Tamara Morris, Dr Amelia Lewis, Associate Professor Fiona Kumfor, Dr Warrick Brewer AM and Associate Professor Paul Gray. 

The purposes of this report are to provide a neurodevelopmental overview of the ages 18 to 25 years, a period referred to as ‘young adulthood’. This period has unique psychosocial considerations that are distinct from the teenage and adult years. This period also has unique physical and biological considerations: although legally recognised as an adult, the young adult brain has not yet reached full maturation.

By taking a neurodevelopmental perspective, the report highlights the importance of sustained effort to provide a safe, relational and enriching environment into young adulthood, particularly in the context of the adverse childhood experiences and cumulative disadvantage that shape brain development and function. The authors emphasise the importance of nurturing care, and highlight the negative impacts of physical containment and control as it relates to incarceration.

This perspective is relevant to all young adults, but the authors particularly note the unique social, cultural, political and historical context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation, including over-representation in justice systems.