Social Development
Articles tagged with Social Development
Traumatised children find little support within their own social circle
A study of children aged 8-12 found that only 40% of their relationships are positive or ambivalent, with half still including perpetrators in their networks. Children struggle to discuss traumatic experiences with parents and friends due to fear or lack of trust.
Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals
A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.
FAU study: how unsupervised screen time harms vulnerable preschoolers
A new study from Florida Atlantic University finds that unsupervised screen time during early childhood increases the likelihood of socioemotional difficulties. Preschool- and kindergarten-aged children who spent at least 10-30 minutes alone with devices daily were more likely to experience adjustment problems.
Beyond the obstetrical dilemma: Why are humans helpless at birth?
Researchers explore human infant helplessness as a unique aspect of human development, highlighting its role in social collaboration and cultural innovation. Human infants' helplessness is characterized by well-developed sensory systems and weak motor skills, making them dependent on caregivers for extended periods.
Spousal loss linked to higher risk of dementia, mortality among men, but not women
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals
A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.
How cultural norms shape childhood development
A new cross-cultural study suggests that children's behavior in situations involving fairness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty is shaped by local cultural norms. As children enter middle childhood, their behavior aligns with community values, refining their understanding of social norms and cooperation.
Landmark study to explore whether noise levels in nurseries affect babies’ language development
A landmark study in the UK is examining how background noise in nurseries affects early language development in nearly 2 million children. The research, led by the University of East London, aims to identify simple, low-cost solutions to improve nursery environments for disadvantaged backgrounds.
In Sweden, young adults feel most dissatisfied while the oldest thrive
A new study reveals that young adults in Sweden report lower life satisfaction, a weaker sense of meaning, and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to older age groups. In contrast, older Swedes are among the happiest in the world, with strong close relationships and less loneliness.
Why U.S. middle-aged adults are falling behind peers abroad
A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.
Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it
Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.
Staying single for longer affects young people’s well-being
Young adults who remain single for longer periods experience a decline in life satisfaction and increasing feelings of loneliness, particularly when entering their late twenties. Entering a first romantic relationship improves well-being across several dimensions, but the effects are less pronounced on depressive symptoms.
Sport in middle childhood can breed respect for authority in adolescence
A new study by researchers in Canada and Italy suggests that young adolescents who participated in organized sports between ages 6 and 10 are less likely to defy authority figures. The study found that structured extracurricular activities can promote behavioral resilience and reduce the burden of disruptive behavior disorders.
New research shows how friends’ support protects intercultural couples
A new study examines the role of social approval in intercultural relationships, finding that supportive friends are a powerful protective factor. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by these couples and emphasizes the importance of building strong social networks to understand and respect their relationship.
University of Houston study finds challenging outdoor fun boosts youth development
A new study from the University of Houston reveals that outdoor fun with a focus on challenge, novelty, and guidance can promote positive youth development. The 'Four Types of Fun' model offers a theoretical framework for understanding fun and its role in character building.
Don’t look away: Study shows teenage girls who avoid potentially negative feedback prone to higher anxiety
A study of 90 teenage girls found that those who avoided looking at potentially negative feedback during speeches reported the most anxiety three years later. The research challenges prevailing wisdom in the field and suggests that adolescent girls may be more sensitive to social feedback, contributing to the onset of anxiety disorders.
Research team explores inclusion at conferences
A Bielefeld study analyzes audience questions and survey responses from over 1,300 participants to identify barriers to inclusion at scientific events. Small measures such as behavioral guidelines and free childcare options can have a significant impact on increasing diversity and equity.
Moving abroad as a child becomes a professional superpower in adulthood
A study by Mireka Caselius found that children who moved abroad as kids develop unique skills such as social adaptability and tolerance for stress, making them highly sought-after employees in the global job market. These young adults often pursue careers with an international dimension, reflecting their adaptable nature.
An important signaling system for developing social skills
Researchers manipulated the endocannabinoid signaling system in prenatal mice, leading to altered gene expression, neural properties, and social interaction deficits. This work suggests that prenatal manipulation of this system may lead to neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly those involving social deficits.
Does your child have social anxiety? Here’s how you can help
A new study from the University of Georgia found that both mothers and fathers influence their children's social confidence, but in different ways. More warmth and affection from both parents were linked to fewer social anxiety symptoms, while rejection and coldness increased anxiety levels. Parents should balance setting age-appropria...
Why some social media sites are linked to risky sexual behavior in young teens
A new study from Ohio State University found that middle-schoolers who use primarily informational social media sites are less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. In contrast, interactive sites like Snapchat and Facebook were linked to lower ability to refuse sex and negotiate condom use. Informative sites like YouTube and TikT...
New free screening tool helps kindergarten teachers spot student needs early
A new, free screening tool was designed to help kindergarten teachers quickly identify students who need extra academic or social-emotional support. The tool takes just 10-15 minutes per class and provides a baseline of what each student might need, helping teachers pinpoint areas for additional resources and training.
Sibling and friend game time key to keeping children safe in online video games
Researchers found that siblings, friends, and extended family play crucial roles in helping parents keep their children safe on online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. Online safety risks include scams, anti-social behavior, and adult roleplays.
New study on hope among U.S. youth reveals key to safer schools this fall
A new study shows that higher levels of hope are linked to reduced bullying and cyberbullying, with students with more hope being less likely to engage in these behaviors. Strengthening hope could be a powerful strategy in preventing bullying by helping young people build resilience and invest in their futures.
For Mexican American millennials, personal success includes providing for parents
A study by UC Merced sociology Professor Daisy Verduzco Reyes found that providing for parents is a defining goal for many first-generation Mexican American college graduates. The 'Latinx mobility bargain' or 'immigrant bargain' emphasizes the importance of fulfilling financial and emotional labor roles in families of origin.
It’s not just how many – it’s when: Global study reveals people judge a potential partner’s sexual history by timing, not total number
A global study of over 5,000 participants from 11 countries reveals that the timing of past encounters significantly shapes perceptions of relationship risk. Those with less frequent past partners are more open to commitment.
Kindness counts—even to a five-day-old baby
A study found that five-day-old newborns prefer watching videos of helpful actions over hindering ones, indicating an innate sense of social goodness. The research suggests that humans may be born with basic social preferences that shape moral understanding.
Learning music helps young people flourish
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that learning music plays a critical role in enhancing the wellbeing of children and adolescents. The review identified significant social, emotional, and educational benefits, including improved self-confidence, social connections, and engagement in education.
Skin-to-skin contact with babies increased significantly after training
A new study from Uppsala University finds that targeted training for healthcare professionals and parents significantly increases skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their parents in the first 48 hours after birth. This leads to improved health benefits for both the baby and parent, with a notable increase in the proportion of ba...
Preschool intervention linked to high school performance
A recent study published in Child Development found that early social-emotional learning curriculum led to improved teen behavior and mental health. The intervention, which focused on developing friendship skills and emotional knowledge, had a positive effect on students' social adjustment and parent involvement.
Lack of sleep disrupts key brain functions in adolescents
A study of over 2,800 adolescents found that those who got less sleep had reduced connectivity between brain regions critical for decision making and emotional regulation. This can lead to problem behaviors such as aggression and impulsivity.
Brain connections at 3 months predict infant emotional development
The study reveals that white matter microstructure in infants' brains between 3-9 months predicts their emotional development. Infants with certain brain patterns are more likely to exhibit negative emotions or improved self-soothing abilities.
Employees assigned more complex projects early in their work history had better outcomes later in their careers
A study by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Kentucky found that employees assigned to more complex projects during their first two years had higher levels of learning, professional certifications, and promotion rates. This suggests that early career experiences play a crucial role in shaping future career development.
“For the first time, we shared a meaningful exchange”: KAIST develops an AI app for parents and minimally verbal autistic children connect
Researchers at KAIST have developed an AI-powered app called AACessTalk that enables meaningful communication between children with autism and their parents. The app uses personalized vocabulary cards and customized prompts to foster mutual engagement in dialogue.
Cyberbullying in any form can be traumatizing for kids
A national study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that cyberbullying, including exclusion and rejection, can lead to significant trauma in youth. The study found that almost 9 in 10 students experienced at least one form of victimization, highlighting the increasing ubiquity of digital aggression.
No one to play with? UCLA’s PEERS for Preschoolers program is changing that
The PEERS for Preschoolers program is an evidence-based solution designed to help young children on the autism spectrum learn fundamental social skills needed to form lasting friendships. The program focuses on key areas such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperative play, and good sportsmanship.
Losing a parent may increase children's risk of being bullied
A study found that losing a parent increases the risk of bullying among female children, adolescents, and those in rural areas. The researchers hope this data informs tailored support for bereaved youth. Effective interventions should address emotional and social dimensions of support, fostering inclusive environments.
Males are more likely to get sick and less likely to seek care for three common diseases
A global analysis reveals significant differences in disease rates, diagnosis, treatment, and death between males and females for three common conditions. Males are more likely to get sick and die from hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, while also being less likely to seek medical care.
U.K. adults with face blindness reveal the daily challenges of the condition, with a third reporting being unable to reliably recognize immediate family members and 41% unable to recognize closest friends in out-of-context or unexpected encounters
A survey of U.K. adults with face blindness reveals the condition's impact on daily life, including difficulty recognizing family members and close friends. The study found that a third of participants struggle to recognize immediate family members, highlighting the condition's significant effects on relationships.
Mechanism by which the brain weighs positive vs. negative social experience is revealed
Researchers identified how the brain assigns positivity or negativity to social experiences through a complex neural circuitry involving the hippocampus. They discovered that serotonin and neurotensin release opposing signals in the ventral CA1 region, which can be leveraged for future therapies.
New research highlights key factor influencing teachers’ willingness to address sexism in the classroom
New research highlights the critical role of teacher preparedness in addressing sexism in schools. The study found that knowledge, comfort levels, and belief in 'sexism socialisation' positively predict teachers' intentions to teach about sexism. Younger teachers also showed a greater inclination to address sexism.
Parents take a year to ‘tune in’ to their child’s feelings about starting school, research suggests
Researchers found it takes parents about a year to attune to their child's attitudes towards school once they start education. By Year 1, parental perceptions of how a child feels about school most closely match responses given by the child when they were in Reception class a year earlier.
Personality traits shape our prosocial behavior
Researchers analyzed 29 studies involving over 90,000 participants to examine the links between Big Five personality traits and prosocial behavior. Extraverts are more likely to engage in volunteer work, while agreeable individuals tend to be more generous with their finances.
Empathic comforting varies more within bonobo and chimpanzee species than between them
Researchers found that both bonobos and chimpanzees console peers at similar rates, but with greater variation within each species. Older apes are less likely to comfort younger ones in both groups.
Babies follow social cues despite trauma
Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.
Sun earns UTA's highest research honor
Professor Sun has been recognized for her transformative advancements in devices used for disease diagnosis, communication, and military safety. Her multidisciplinary research has secured over $8 million in external funding from premier organizations.
Women from the Bronze Age already carried heavy loads on their heads
Research reveals Nubian women from the Kerma culture (2500-1500 BCE) carried heavy objects and children on their heads daily, using techniques like head straps known as tumplines. This study supports a growing perspective that sees the human body as a biological archive of lived experiences.
New study reveals: Contingent responsive parenting can shape the brains of sensitive babies and support emotional regulation
A new study found that contingent responsive parenting can strengthen a baby's capacity for emotional regulation and reduce the likelihood of developing emotional difficulties. The study followed 51 mother-infant pairs and found that early parenting influences the baby's brain activity, supporting their emotional and social behavior.
New index shows: bureaucracy in Germany still growing
The bureaucracy index reveals a significant rise in regulatory volume, driven mainly by financial regulation and business law growth
Father’s mental health can impact children for years
Research from Rutgers Health finds that children exposed to paternal depression at kindergarten entry are more likely to have behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9. Fathers' mental health is crucial in supporting their children's development, and early intervention can help improve well-being for both parents and kids.
New study may help detect early signs of autism in the first year of life
Researchers at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that behavior at 9 months old can indicate a 1-year-old's likelihood of being at risk for autism. Parent surveys reported fussiness, irritability, and difficulty calming down were associated with early signs of autism by 12 months.
Communicator award goes to German language education expert Petra Anders
Petra Anders receives the Communicator Award for her commitment to communication that opens dialogue with diverse groups and promotes reading and language skills. Her multimodal approach incorporates images, films, and poetry slams to give students a voice, sparking discussions on education issues.
NTU Singapore receives S$110 million gift from UOB and Wee Foundation which will support new educational initiatives
NTU Singapore will launch three educational initiatives supported by an endowment of up to S$275 million, benefiting 1,200 students annually. The initiatives include the NTU Opportunity Grant to support undergraduates with financial need.
Candidate deafness genes revealed in new study
Researchers have identified new candidate genes that could be responsible for congenital deafness, a condition affecting around one in 1,000 babies born in the UK. The study suggests that understanding these gene mutations may hold the key to devising effective treatments.
Los Angeles Rams add lifesavers to the chain of survival in 22 schools
The Los Angeles Rams have partnered with the American Heart Association to bring lifesaving CPR training to 22 local schools. The initiative aims to enhance community preparedness for cardiac emergencies. By providing resources and education, the partnership seeks to increase the number of people confident in performing CPR.
Study shows how new antibody therapy works against ovarian cancer
Researchers have shed light on how a new type of antibody treatment works against ovarian cancer by reactivating patients' immune cells. The study shows that MOv18 IgE reverses the suppression of immune cells and induces them to kill cancer cells, providing new insights into this therapy.
Stress for success
A Griffith University study reveals that reframing stress as a motivator can lead to improved problem-solving skills and personal growth. Participants who underwent a 15-minute online stress mindset intervention showed no negative impact on their willingness to support others.
Providing educational support for children with severe illnesses: insights from the new Sunshine Hospital School program
The New Sunshine Hospital School Program provides flexible, adaptive education to hospitalized children, addressing the unique needs of those with severe illnesses. The program's innovative models and strategies have contributed valuable insights to global efforts in healthcare and education.
Perceiving one’s own body – already babies sense their heartbeat and breathing
Researchers discovered that babies can perceive their own heartbeat and breathing at an early age. The ability to recognize body signals is linked to emotional awareness and self-perception, with implications for developmental psychology research and mental health.