Scientific References
Last updated: June 2026
The content presented on our pages is based on scientific evidence and recognized studies. Below, we provide the main bibliographic references that support the claims presented.
1. The prefrontal cortex finishes developing around age 25
Arain, M. et al. (2013). Maturation of the adolescent brain. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 9, 449–461.
2. The limbic (emotional) system develops before the rational one
Harvard Center on the Developing Child. Children's Emotional Development Is Built into the Architecture of Their Brains.
3. Physical punishment harms cognitive development (Harvard)
Cuartas, J., Weissman, D. G., Sheridan, M. A., Lengua, L., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2021). Corporal Punishment and Elevated Neural Response to Threat in Children. Child Development, 92(3), 821–832.
4. University of Texas meta-analysis on punishment
Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Spanking and Child Outcomes: Old Controversies and New Meta-Analyses. Journal of Family Psychology, 30(4), 453–469.
5. Fear and stress block learning
Harvard Center on the Developing Child. Toxic Stress. Complemented by: McLaughlin, K. A. et al. (2019). Childhood Adversity and Neural Development: A Systematic Review. Annual Review of Developmental Psychology.