Roman Stengelin

Research Focus

Roman Stengelin is a developmental psychologist studying the cultural foundations of childhood social cognition and learning. His research explores children’s Theory of Mind, collaboration, prosocial behaviors, and (over)imitation strategies through experimental and observational approaches. He has conducted studies in urban Germany and rural Namibia, particularly within Owambo, Khwe, and Hai||om communities, to identify the cultural and situational factors shaping childhood social development.

My plans for the fellowship period

During my fellowship, I aim to explore how childhood social behaviors and learning vary across settings, such as in dyads or small groups of three to four partners. Current research often prioritizes dyads due to methodological convenience and (implicit) theoretical or cultural assumptions. I believe this focus overlooks much of the complexity of children’s social experiences and may lead to a misrepresentation of their socio-cognitive skills. I will examine how group size impacts behaviors such as collaboration, prosociality, social learning, and Theory of Mind by comparing children from diverse communities, including rural Namibia and urban Germany. This research could challenge the dyadic approach and promote more culturally sensitive methods for studying and supporting child development, particularly in communities often overlooked in developmental research.

How will my work change children’s and youth’s lives?

Research on children’s social cognition in extradyadic settings—those beyond one-on-one interactions—is crucial for understanding and supporting the diverse environments that shape child development outside of Western, post-industrialized communities. Children frequently engage and learn in small group settings, where they navigate multiple perspectives simultaneously. Shifting focus to social contexts beyond dyads allows for a more accurate assessment of children’s social cognition and learning, leading to a better understanding of children’s social development and targeted interventions that align with their real-world experiences.