Socioeconomic status and brain development: insights and theoretical perspectives on deficit, adaptation, and resilience

The link between socioeconomic status (SES) and differences in brain structure, function, and development has been a major area of developmental social and cognitive neuroscience (DSCN) research. In such a context, much effort aimed at uncovering links between low SES and neurocognitive challenges or deficits. We identify the main theoretical DSCN frameworks from a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Then, we review support for each framework through a scoping ‘review of reviews’ and key papers therein. Finally, we explore implications and insights for interventions. Our review supports a balanced perspective not reducible to simple linear causal links involving individual children’s or parental deficits. Instead, it relates to complex social structure and nonlinear developmental processes exploiting vulnerability to promote adaptation and/or resilience. The present synthesis suggests that social public health programs at individual, family, and macrolevel can buffer the harmful associations between low SES and brain outcomes. • SES influences neurodevelopment via complex, nonlinear pathways. • Bibliometrics shows four pathway types: deficit, stress, adaptation, and resilience. • Evidence supports SES-linked neuroplasticity over deficit-based determinants. • Resilience-promoting factors modulate SES-related neurodevelopmental trajectories. • Multilevel interventions can mitigate adverse SES-brain outcome associations.