Development of Social Cognition in Adolescence and the Importance of Mating

Abstract

Adolescents experience rapid growth in biology, cognition, and behaviours, which are essential for navigating social complexity within the human environment. One added complexity includes the development of romantic relationships. The onset of puberty prepares the body for biological processes of reproduction, allowing for the ability to conceive, carry, and rear offspring. It follows that maturing cognitive and affective systems develop concurrently to support reproductive competence, transitioning the mind towards identifying and maintaining mating relationships. This chapter reviews current literature in the development of adolescent social cognition, and proposes ways in which these mechanisms also support the emergence of a mating-focused mentality in adolescent youth. Hormonal and neurological influences on social cognition during adolescence are discussed, followed by more focused assessments of research investigating (1) face perception, (2) mentalizing, and (3) emotional regulation/executive control. How these processes support the advancement of mating cognition across adolescence will be highlighted.