New paper! In an experimental Telephone study, we asked adolescents in NI to retell stories about controversial topics. Conflict stories shifted quicker than neutral ones, yet we saw minimal own-side favouritism. Suggesting that youth may interrupt polarised sharing. doi.org/10.1093/chid...

Some things are better left behind: Adolescent transmission of conflict narratives in a divided society

In post-conflict societies there are competing narratives between groups, like who was to blame or how to move forward. Youth can perpetuate or ameliorate

doi.org

Congrats to our lab group members who graduated on Saturday! 🎓 Well done to Dr Risa Rylander for completing her PhD and to Sadhbh Drummond and Elayna Watters for finishing their undergraduate Psychology degrees! So proud of you all!🌟

New Paper! Interviews with NI teachers show interpersonal pressures, school environments, and cultural contexts shape the classroom. Congratulations Dr Eva Grew for her 1st publication with Kids in Context, and 3rd year UG Sadhbh Drummond for the 1st publication of her career! tinyurl.com/yn2es37c

Teaching contentious topics in a post-conflict society: voices from educators

tinyurl.com

In our new paper, Children’s Perspectives on Playfulness, children describe play as joyful—but also sometimes solitary, and open-ended. These findings highlight the value of child-centred, autonomy-supportive environments across home, school, and community contexts. doi.org/10.25035/ijp...

@kidsincontext at #CDS2026 in Montreal! What happens when young people share stories about conflict? @dauteljocelyn.bsky.social shared that adolescents tend to transmit less polarized versions of narratives over time, pointing to a potential role for youth as peacebuilders in daily communication.

@kidsincontext.bsky.social at #CDS2026 in Montreal! Emma Pitt shared findings that kids see upward mobility as achievable, relying on effort-based explanations for wealth & social change. Suggesting early, stable frameworks for inequality. Thanks to fellow presenters! #DevelopmentalPsychology

@kidsincontext at #CDS2026 in Montreal! We organised a symposium: Why inequality persists (gender, wealth, status). Chaired by @dauteljocelyn.bsky.social & Emma Pitt. Key theme kids explain inequalities via intrinsic (not structural) factors. Huge thanks to presenters! #KidsInContext #Development

The Kids in Context lab are thrilled to be hosting Boston College PhD candidate Jacob Glassman to discuss his work on how children perceive large-scale, intergroup conflicts across the globe (USA, Israel, NZ, and NI). We look forward to collaborating with Jacob on this work in NI!

Kids in Context is pleased to be part of the Child Development Research Event: Supporting Parents in NI 🗓️ 12 Dec | 4–7pm 📍 Ulster University, Belfast Talks • Keynote • Roundtable All welcome: parents, practitioners & community groups. 🔗 Register: supporting-parents-in-ni.eventbrite.co.uk

Supporting Parents in NI: Gaps, Resources and Opportunities

A knowledge exchange event for researchers, practitioners and parents to discuss support for parents in NI. Coffee from 3:30pm, start at 4pm

supporting-parents-in-ni.eventbrite.co.uk

Last week, to celebrate #WorldChildren'sDay, we in the School of Psychology took a moment to reflect on how children are genuinely involved in research. Not just as participants, but as valued voices shaping the work we do. www.facebook.com/reel/1173866... #kidsincontext #developmentalpsychology

It's #WorldChildren's Day 🛝 On this special day, let's consider how we can support the children in our lives 🚸 #ChildrenFirst #FutureGeneration #KidsMatter | QUB - School of Psychology

It's #WorldChildren's Day 🛝 On this special day, let's consider how we can support the children in our lives 🚸 #ChildrenFirst #FutureGeneration #KidsMatter

facebook.com

Last week, we heard from Jing Xu (University of Washington) on her analysis of pedagogical texts in Northern Ireland, and Melissa Delury (George Mason University) on her classroom observations of history teaching. Sadhbh Drummond also shared some recent more updates from her collaboration with Jing.

QUB School of Psychology and IEF are delighted to invite you to the launch of research exploring ‘Social Attitudes and Integrated Education’. Monday 24 November 2025 2.00pm - 4.30 pm Riddel Hall To book your free place, please RSVP by emailing jessica@ief.org.uk by Friday 21 November 2025

New Paper! Religion and science are both deeply embedded in society, shaping how people see the world. New research reveals that stronger religious identity is linked to a lower valuation of science. Understanding this is crucial to help us foster a more cohesive society. doi.org/10.1371/jour...

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up next is Lily Clark, a Visiting Researcher working in our Research Centre! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

We’re proud to be a field site in the Developing Belief Network, a global collaboration studying how beliefs develop across childhood (ages 4–13). With researchers across 19 countries, we’re exploring how children develop religious and scientific beliefs. Find out more here - tinyurl.com/y4sx5c84

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up next is Caitlin McShane, a former Research Assistant in our lab and now a PhD student in the QUB School of Nursing and Midwifery! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

We had a great day at Dive into Developmental Science for the NI Festival of Social Science. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to our QUB School of Psychology colleagues and Ulster University collaborators for their continued efforts in making it such a success! #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up next is Connie Wilson, a PhD research student working in our Research Centre! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

It’s been just over a year since we shared the key insights from our Communicating Truth Project. This project examines how polarization persists in Northern Ireland, and methods to reduce it, all brought to life by some amazing young people. Give it a watch (or a rewatch)! youtu.be/JFIFm8_RsIg

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up next is Molly Adams, a PhD research student working in our Research Centre! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

New Paper! Adolescence is a crucial stage for learning how to engage across differences. This study shows friends, family, and intergroup contact can disrupt polarizing narratives, helping young people move towards shared realities. doi.org/10.1177/0743... @dauteljocelyn.bsky.social

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up next is Dr. Emma Pitt, a post-doctoral researcher working in our Research Centre! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

Join us and collaborators from Ulster University at the Ulster Museum this October for Dive into Developmental Science! Learn, play, and explore—book your spot here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dive-into-... #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #UlsterMuseum @dauteljocelyn.bsky.social

Dive into Developmental Science

Fun, Interactive Activities for Families at the Ulster Museum

eventbrite.co.uk

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up next is Dr. Eva Grew, a post-doctoral researcher working in our Research Centre! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

We want to understand how children think big problems can be solved 🌍 Could your child take part? Read the details below, and scan the QR code to learn more ✨

⭐ Team Tuesdays ⭐ Follow along each week as we introduce a member of our team. Up first is Dr. Jocelyn Dautel, Director of our Research Centre! #Psychology #KidsInContext #ChildDevelopment #Peacebuilding

At the Kids in Context Research Centre, we collaborate with families, schools, and communities through fun interactive studies. Follow along for opportunities to get involved and research insights. www.qub.ac.uk/research-cen... #ChildDevelopment #KidsInContext #Psychology #Peacebuilding

Introducing the Kids in Context Lab at Queen’s University Belfast, School of Psychology. We study how children and young people (ages 4–18) learn and understand others. Our work spans Northern Ireland and communities worldwide, exploring identity, friendship, and decision-making.