What Role Can Nurture Play In Neuroplasticity?
It’s no secret that our brains are highly adaptable, or “plastic.” This plasticity allows our brains to change in response to our environment, experiences, and even our thoughts. But what role does nurture play in all of this?
research suggests that nurture can indeed play a significant role in neuroplasticity. For example, one study found that rats who were raised in enriched environments (with plenty of stimulations and opportunities to explore) had more brain cells and connections than those who were raised in standard lab environments.
Furthermore, studies on humans have shown that early life experiences can influence brain development. For instance, children who grow up in poverty or with abusive parents tend to have smaller hippocampi (an area of the brain important for memory and learning) than those from more privileged backgrounds.
While it’s clear that nature and nurture both play a role in brain development, it’s important to remember that the brain is very resilient. No matter what our early life experiences may be, we can always work to change and improve our brain plasticity through things like meditation, mindfulness, and other forms of self-care.