Growth-Promoting Mental Challenge

Dr. Gutstein, one of the co-founders of RDI, wrote a very interesting article explaining a lot of the reasoning of why RDI is to helpful to develop the brain. He discussed the importance of "Growth-promoting mental challenge[s]."


Dr. Gutstein said, "Extensive research demonstrates that, while our drive for growth is inborn, our brains will only initiate neural growth-promoting programs under three specific conditions:

1. When learners perceive their environment as sufficiently safe and supportive.
2. When surplus physiologic & neural resources are available and that are not required for maintaining homeostatic life maintenance. If homeostatic demands are too great, then all of the brains resources will have to be devoted to maintaining the regulatory functioning of the organism.
3. When learners are provided with opportunities to engage with productive mental challenges, with the expectation that trusted guides will ensure that challenges do not become overwhelming."

Click here to learn more about RDI, and how it aides to the development of neural growth