social cognition
Definition
Social cognition refers to the mental processes and abilities that enable individuals to understand, interpret, and navigate social interactions. In adolescence, social cognitive abilities developed in childhood are positively associated with flexible decision-making and the ability to adjust risk-taking strategies based on new information, suggesting that social cognition supports adaptive functioning across the lifespan.
Sources: Tsomokos & Flouri (2023)
Related Terms
Applications
Social Cognition and Risk Adjustment
Children who demonstrated superior social cognitive abilities scored significantly higher on risk adjustment measures in adolescence. This association persisted even after controlling for sex, ethnicity, verbal ability, family income, and parental education, with the relationship specifically linking social cognition to the ability to adjust strategies based on feedback rather than to overall impulsive risk-taking.
Sources: Tsomokos & Flouri (2023)
Social Cognition and Cognitive Flexibility
The positive association between childhood social cognition and adolescent decision-making flexibility aligns with the Social-Motivational Flexibility Model, which posits that social-cognitive maturation affords adaptive advantages in adjusting one's goals flexibly in changing environments.
Sources: Tsomokos & Flouri (2023)
