The theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to understand mental states in others. The previous research has highlighted age- and language-dependent effects during childhood and provided inconsistent data regarding the role of gender. Notably, these variables were rarely studied simultaneously among adolescents. Accordingly, this short longitudinal…

Identity formation is an essential developmental challenge associated with adolescence ([17], [20] and [21]). Berzonsky (1988) developed a social-cognitive model that distinguishes three styles by which adolescents engage the tasks associated with identity formation: informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant. Focusing on studies (K = 62) that…

Executive functions and social cognition develop through childhood into adolescence and early adulthood and are important for adaptive goal-oriented behavior (Apperly, Samson, & Humphreys, 2009; Blakemore & Choudhury, 2006). These functions are attributed to frontal networks known to undergo protracted maturation into early adulthood…

"Interpersonal" rejection and "intergroup" exclusion in childhood reflect different, but complementary, aspects of child development. Interpersonal rejection focuses on individual differences in personality traits, such as wariness and being fearful, to explain bully-victim relationships. In contrast, intergroup exclusion focuses on how in-group…

Examines connections between adolescents' perceptions of their relationships with their parents and the concept of individuation. Focuses on the parent-child relationship before adolescence, de-idealization of parents at the onset of adolescence, and development of an understanding of parents as persons. (RJC)

Investigation of the effects of age on the social perceptual ability of 30 learning disabled and 30 non-learning-disabled students (at ages 11, 14, and 17 years) indicated that, though social perceptual ability improved with age for both groups, the proportionate differences between the groups remained constant through age 17. (Author/DB)

Examines peer group perceptions of 312 students in grades 5-12. Early and middle adolescents placed more value on being in a popular group; perceived more conformity, antagonism, and leadership in their groups; and reported more antagonistic interactions with those outside their groups than did preadolescents and late adolescents. (RJC)

Examines the development of work perceptions in adolescents (12 to 18 years old) from a relational-developmental perspective. From this viewpoint, adolescents' perceptions and understanding of work and related areas, such as employment and unemployment, varied across age and, to a limited extent, across levels of formal reasoning operations.…

Discusses the concept of egocentrism and its relation to cognitive development. Describes the major stages of egocentrism: sensori-motor, preoperational, concrete operational, and adolescent egocentrism. Focuses on research support for the theory of adolescent egocentrism. Discusses educational implications. (RC)