Connecting the dots: social networks in the classroom and white matter connections in the brain.
Rosa H MulderMónica López-VicenteAndrea P Cortes HidalgoLisa R SteenkampBerna GüroğluHenning TiemeierRyan L MuetzelPublished in: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines (2022)
Although based only on cross-sectional data, the findings could indicate accelerated white matter microstructure maturation in certain brain areas of children who are victimized or rejected more often. However, repeated measurements are essential to unravel this complex interplay of peer connections, maturation and brain development over time.