Developmental Psychology

A study has found that early-life family stressors, like harsh parenting and unsafe neighborhoods, are linked to smaller amygdala volumes and disrupted anterior cingulate cortex development, suggesting stress-related blunting rather than accelerated brain maturation.

New research suggests pandemic lockdowns accelerated adolescent brain aging, with girls' brains aging 4.2 years and boys' 1.4 years. This may increase neuropsychiatric disorder risks, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health support for affected teens.

A study found that eating fish during pregnancy was linked to a 20% lower risk of autism in children, especially in girls, while omega-3 supplements showed no similar benefits.

Could probiotics during pregnancy boost a baby’s brain development? A recent mouse study by researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of Birmingham suggests so.

Sleep deprivation in young mice hinders brain development and causes cognitive impairments far more than it does in adults. These results suggest that sleep helps build essential brain structures in childhood

Research found no causal link between moderate coffee intake during pregnancy and children’s neurodevelopmental issues, supporting guidelines that low to moderate caffeine consumption (under 200mg daily) is safe for expectant mothers and their babies.

Childhood exposure to blue spaces is linked to greater nature connectedness in adulthood, leading to more frequent nature visits and increased pro-environmental behaviors

A recent study suggests that prenatal exposure to BPA may increase autism risk in boys with low aromatase enzyme activity, possibly through estrogen-related brain changes. However, it does not confirm BPA as a direct cause of autism.

Left amygdala connections to brain networks regulating attention and social behavior are linked to children’s withdrawal, depression, and social problems, revealing distinct brain circuits for these internalizing behaviors.

Recent research found that when mothers use their phones, they speak less to their babies, with a 16% decrease in speech overall and a 26% drop during short phone use periods.

New research shows babies' early vocalizations follow organized patterns, suggesting they actively practice speech-like sounds even without adult interaction. This discovery could deepen our understanding of language development and help identify early communication disorders.

Short, light-intensity exercises can increase blood flow to children's prefrontal cortex, according to new research.. These easy-to-implement exercises could help reduce sedentary behavior and enhance brain health in schools.

New research suggests that by age three, children’s mirror neurons help them understand and anticipate others' intentions, highlighting early social-cognitive development.

Researchers found that higher screen use in families is associated with poorer language skills in young children. The study emphasizes the importance of parent-child interactions for language development, especially in screen-heavy households.

A recent study found that children with persistently high inflammation are at greater risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression and psychosis, and cardiometabolic issues like insulin resistance, by early adulthood.