SOCIAL COGNITION AND INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Social cognition and interpersonal behavior are central to understanding how individuals perceive, interpret, and interact within their social worlds. Social cognition refers to the processes through which people acquire, store, and apply information about others and their social situations. Interpersonal behavior encompasses the actions, reactions, and communication patterns that occur in dyadic or group settings. This chapter explores contemporary perspectives on social cognition and interpersonal behavior by linking classical psychological theories with current empirical research. It highlights advances in cognitive and social psychology, including schema theory, attribution processes, impression formation, and implicit biases. The discussion extends to the influence of culture, digital technology, and mental health on social interactions, emphasizing contextual variations across societies. Furthermore, the applied implications in education, organizational behavior, and clinical practice are presented, demonstrating the integration of theory and practice. By bridging foundational concepts with evolving research trends, this chapter contributes to a nuanced understanding of how humans navigate social environments.