Hyperscanning and Interpersonal Neural Dynamics in Parenting Research

SYNOPSISAdvances in neuroimaging methodologies have enabled the simultaneous investigation of central nervous system activity in interacting parent–child dyads. Parenting research that incorporates multibrain hyperscanning approaches to capture neural dynamics offers new opportunities to conceptualize parenting as a multilevel, interactive process embedded in complex social systems. However, such approaches introduce substantial challenges, including the interpretation of multimodal and high-dimensional datasets integrating neural, physiological, behavioral, and self-report measures as well as the need for novel analytical frameworks capable of managing and modeling large-scale data sets. Unequal global access to advanced neuroimaging technologies also limits the representativeness and diversity of samples, raising concerns regarding the generalizability and inclusivity of hyperscanning-based parenting research.