Social Development

Aims & Scope

Social Development is a major international journal dealing with all aspects of children's social development as seen from a psychological stance.

It provides an outlet for empirical reports, debates and comments on theoretical and empirical issues, literature reviews and in-depth book reviews.

The main focus of Social Development is on development in childhood with lifespan, cross-species and cross-cultural perspectives enhancing our understanding of human development also explored.

Coverage includes a wide range of topics such as social cognition, peer relationships, social interaction, attachment formation, emotional development and children's theories of mind.

It is essential reading for developmental psychologists, social psychologists and all those concerned with teaching or research in the field of social development.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

Impact Factor

Year	Value
2025	1.9
2024	1.60

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.946

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q1

h-index

Year	Value
2024	114

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	5300

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	543

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar
• Web of Science

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Psychology and Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion Regulation

  Citation: 1974

  Authors: Amanda Sheffield, Jennifer S., Laurence, Sonya S., Lara Rachel

• Developmental Science in the 21<b>^st</b> Century: Emerging Questions, Theoretical Models, Research Designs and Empirical Findings

  Citation: 773

  Authors: Urie, Gary W.

• The Nature of Social Competence: A Theoretical Review

  Citation: 517

  Authors: Linda

• The Uniqueness of the Child–Father Attachment Relationship: Fathers’ Sensitive and Challenging Play as a Pivotal Variable in a 16‐year Longitudinal Study

  Citation: 514

  Authors: Karin, Klaus E., Elisabeth, Heinz, Hermann, And Peter

• Affective Social Competence

  Citation: 472

  Authors: Amy G., Susanne A., Julie C.

• Developmental Changes in the Priority of Perceived Status in Childhood and Adolescence

  Citation: 449

  Authors: Kathryn M., Antonius H. N.

• Is Peer Victimization Associated with Academic Achievement? A Meta-analytic Review

  Citation: 438

  Authors: Jonathan, David

• Naturalistic Observations of Peer Interventions in Bullying

  Citation: 425

  Authors: D., Debra J., Wendy M.

• Unique and Interactive Effects of Empathy and Social Status on Involvement in Bullying

  Citation: 355

  Authors: Simona C. S., Paola, Christina

• Social Support from Parents, Friends, Classmates, and Teachers in Children and Adolescents Aged 9 to 18 Years: Who Is Perceived as Most Supportive?

  Citation: 344

  Authors: Caroline L., Sindy R., P. Michiel

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