Introduction: Unveiling the Power of Parental Influence Picture a bustling playground, alive with the sounds of children playing, laughter mingling with the occasional outburst of temper or defiance. These acts of defiance bring us face-to-face with a critical issue many parents grapple with: externalizing behavior problems in their children. Such behaviors, which include aggressive actions, […]
Tag: Social cognition
Understanding the Mind’s Maze: Social Cognition in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Introduction Imagine navigating a conversation without fully understanding the emotional cues behind someone’s smile or frown. If this sounds challenging, consider the reality faced by individuals with Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Welcome to the fascinating yet complex world of social cognition—how we process, store, and apply information about other people and social situations. This […]
Exploring Empathy in the Virtual World: How VR Changes Our Hearts and Minds
Introduction: Enter the World of Virtual Empathy Imagine slipping on a pair of virtual reality (VR) goggles and stepping into someone else’s life—a world where you see through their eyes, hear what they hear, and feel what they feel. This isn’t the premise for a new science fiction movie; it’s a growing trend in psychological […]
Unveiling the Social Mind: Understanding Social Reasoning in Children with Down Syndrome and Neurotypical Peers
Introduction: The Journey into the Social Mind Ever wondered how children learn to navigate the intriguing maze of social interaction? Imagine a child on a playground—each interaction, from sharing toys to resolving conflicts, is a stepping stone towards mastering social cues. In a world where understanding social dynamics is crucial for forming relationships, the […]
Bridging the Digital Divide: Understanding Older Adults’ Interactions with Technology in Serious Games
The digital age has undeniably transformed the landscape of entertainment, blending it seamlessly with learning and engagement. Imagine your grandmother immersed in a game on her tablet, not just for fun but as an interactive session to sharpen her cognitive skills or manage health. Welcome to the world of serious games, where the stakes are […]
The Intriguing Impact of Culture on How We See Faces
Introduction Imagine walking through a bustling market where fresh fruits and vegetables are artfully piled into the shape of a face, a quirky creation reminiscent of Arcimboldo’s famous paintings. But here’s an intriguing twist: whether you see a face immediately or just a jumble of produce might not only depend on your personal perception but […]
Decoding Social Brains: How Age Influences Our Understanding of Others
Introduction Imagine a world where our understanding of others’ thoughts and emotions could be decoded as easily as a children’s story. What if we could assess how age influences this skill, scientifically packaged in a well-crafted tool? Today, we journey into the intriguing landscapes of The Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT): Examining the effects of […]
Unraveling the Mind’s Boundaries: Childhood Behavioral Inhibition and Its Impact on Adolescent Mentalizing
Introduction: The Ties That Bind Our Inner Worlds Think back to your childhood days. Remember those classmates who were painfully shy, the ones who hovered on the edges of social circles, hesitant to join in the play. These children, often described as “behaviorally inhibited,” are more common than one might think, and their tentative approach […]
Unraveling the Dance of Social Interaction: Insights into the Embodied Competence of Children with Autism
Introduction When you talk to someone, there’s more happening than just the exchange of words. Your hands might gesture, your head might nod, and your body might subconsciously sway in rhythm with the conversation. These subtle dances of the body often go unnoticed, yet they are integral to how we connect with others. For children […]
Eyes That Tell Too Much: Understanding How People with Autism Experience Eye Contact
Introduction Imagine navigating a world where something as simple as eye contact feels as daunting as crossing a tightrope between buildings. For many adults and teens with self-declared Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), eye contact isn’t just a fleeting social gesture; it’s a complex, often overwhelming experience that can dictate the ebb and flow of their […]