Strengthening social connectedness and neurocognitive development through family bonding

Human psychological development is built upon other maturating features. It is well established in the literature that neurocognitive development relies on neurological maturation. Similarly, emergent research has highlighted the relevance of social features for neurocognitive development. Family factors have been increasingly remarked as direct contributors for neuropsychological maturation dynamics in childhood and adolescence. This relationship becomes more evident when the young person is at a disadvantage. Family bonding has been proposed to be a crucial factor for the development of social connectedness. Gaps on parental care are reflected in less school participation and slower neurocognitive development. Thus, parental styles are informative of the trajectory of neurocognitive development and social connectedness, both highly relevant for life satisfaction. By reaching an integrated understanding of these topics, health and education professionals will be better equipped to identify and reverse temporary neuropsychological difficulties. In this sense, family emerges as a key collaborator towards strengthening social connectedness and neurocognitive development.