Two complementary epistemological research perspectives are adopted by C2S researchers. Some of their research has a functional perspective, the purpose being to isolate the conceptual components of social cognition (i.e., intentions, emotions, theory of mind, empathy, self-esteem, semantics, pragmatics, social perception, etc.), in order to find out how they develop and function, as well as to identify their neural bases. Other research starts from a functionalist perspective, with the aim of understanding the impact of contextual and individual parameters (e.g., social representations, social identity, personality traits) on how individuals adapt to others or to social situations.
By combining these two perspectives, we can better understand people’s adaptive functioning and thus identify any possible dysfunctions or even vulnerabilities, and design suitable prevention programs and management measures. More specifically, this research allows us to:
1. Bring about major conceptual advances in terms of the components of social cognition (intentions, emotions, semantics, pragmatics, theory of mind, empathy, social representations, self, social perception, etc.), their development and their neural bases;
2. Highlight the role of different components of social cognition as possible factors for vulnerability to maladjustment and even disease (neurodevelopmental, psychopathological or neuropsychological disorders);
3. Develop prevention and care programs in the fields of health and society (e.g., psychosocial rehabilitation, sports activities) based on this theoretical knowledge.
