Abstract
This chapter reviews the development of social understanding from infancy through to adulthood. We set the scene by examining developmental changes from infancy to adolescence in children's awareness of (a) mental states, (b) emotions, and (c) social and moral norms, highlighting conceptual and methodological debates. Next, we consider the social underpinnings of development, reviewing the origins and consequences of individual differences in children's understanding of their social worlds. Influences range from family talk to wider cultural factors; outcomes include the quality of children's friendship and peer relations. Finally, we explore links with children's adjustment, including both a discussion of insights from the neurodiversity paradigm and a summary of intervention work. Future research directions should consider the ubiquitous influence of digital devices, links between children's mentalizing abilities and social outcomes, and the need to include diverse methodologies and samples.