Teens are often stereotyped as impulsive. A new study suggests there’s more truth in that stereotype than we might expect.

When in danger, the average teen reacts more impulsively than those who are younger or older, according to a new study. That’s right: The average 5-year-old may have more impulse control than the average 15-year-old, at least when there’s a threat nearby.

“Crimes are often committed in emotionally charged or threatening situations, which push all the wrong buttons for reasoned decision-making in the adolescent brain,” says study author Kristina Caudle of Weill Cornell Medical College. “It’s fascinating because, although the brains of young children are even less mature, children don’t exhibit the same attraction to risky or criminal behaviors as do adolescents.” (U.S. News)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife Wendy and his two children. Follow him on Twitter.