In the multidisciplinary field of developmental psychology, the impact of social interactions on individual growth is pivotal. The role of parents, caregivers, and broader social networks distinctly shape cognitive and emotional maturation, influencing identities and well-being into adulthood. These processes, critical during the formative years, predispose individuals to varying psychological states, highlighting not only risks—including heightened vulnerability to psychiatric conditions—but also opportunities for fostering resilience and positive development. However, the developmental mechanisms through which social environments and interactions affect ontogenetic growth remain inadequately explored, with a noticeable lack of integration between various psychological domains.

This Research Topic aims to forge an integrated understanding of how social experiences from varying dimensions—computational, neurobiological, and socio-ecological—influence cognitive and affective development. By synthesizing insights across these areas, the objective is to construct a framework that captures the multifaceted impact of social interactions on the developing brain and mind. Such an inclusive approach is vital for developing targeted interventions aimed at supporting robust developmental trajectories for children and adolescents in modern socio-ecological contexts.

To gather further insights into the nuances of developmental psychology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-Mechanistic insights from computational models into developmental changes in social information processing.
-Studies on how early social experiences shape neurobiological development and the reciprocal effects on social behavior.
-Investigations into the role of traditional and digital social environments in shaping psychological and social outcomes.
-Reviews that integrate theoretical and empirical research from neuroscientific, computational, and social ecological studies.
-Perspectives on novel intervention strategies that leverage an understanding of complex social influences on developmental outcomes.

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Frontiers in Psychology

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