Developmental Psychology

A recent study using the end of post-war UK food rationing suggests that restricting sugar from conception to age two is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing anxiety and depression in adulthood.

The scent of a father can help infants synchronize their brain activity with unfamiliar adults. A recent study reveals that paternal body odor boosts positive arousal and neural coupling, helping babies expand their social connections.

A new analysis of longitudinal data reveals a surprising cross-generational connection: mothers whose children excel in math and reading tend to experience better physical and mental health during their middle-aged years.

A comprehensive analysis of American high schools reveals that while students are largely sorted into math and science classes based on academic readiness, the social and economic status of a community also dictates access to advanced coursework.

A randomized controlled trial suggests that providing low-income mothers with unconditional monthly cash gifts slows their children's cellular aging. The findings highlight how early antipoverty interventions might protect long-term physical health at the molecular level.

A new study reveals that powerful, happy childhood scent memories are encoded by neurons generated just after birth. As we age, the brain reorganizes how it stores these smells, shifting from reward centers to deeper emotional networks.

How does using screens to calm an upset child relate to their developing mind? New research suggests the answer depends on the child, showing that media habits and cognitive skills often forecast each other in a continuous loop.

A new brain imaging study indicates that puberty and pregnancy are associated with widespread gray matter reductions in the female brain. In contrast, the menopausal transition coincides with a surprising pause in typical age-related brain changes.

A large analysis of children's brain scans reveals that socioeconomic status is the primary factor shaping brain organization. The findings suggest that brain patterns previously linked to intelligence actually reflect environmental factors like stress and sleep deprivation.

Unlike in neurotypical kids, screen time does not appear to hinder language development in young autistic children. Instead, a new study suggests that frequent shared book reading at home is a key driver of stronger communication skills.

Does screen time always harm developing brains? A new long-term study suggests otherwise, finding that higher childhood screen time and less unsupervised physical activity are actually associated with slightly better cognitive performance in adolescence.

A large Danish study reveals that girls who begin puberty earlier and progress faster are significantly more likely to develop anxiety disorders, highlighting a critical window for early mental health interventions.

A new study tracking the daily habits of teenagers reveals that while spending time alone is linked to momentary isolation, young people with maladaptive personality traits tend to experience chronic loneliness regardless of their social surroundings.

A recent study reveals how the developing brain processes facial expressions based on gender and emotion, finding that elevated anxiety alters how children react to threatening faces.

When parents help their children with writing activities because they genuinely enjoy the process, children develop more positive attitudes toward the subject. These positive feelings are linked to better handwritten stories and improved grammar in the classroom.