The interpretation of social situations is a complex cognitive process with profound implications for mental health and relationships. Social situations are inherently ambiguous, requiring both accurate initial interpretation and flexible updating of these interpretations as circumstances change. Difficulties in this domain - particularly the tendency to interpret situations more negatively and less positively, coupled with resistance to updating interpretations - are consistently linked to various forms of psychopathology. Adolescence represents a critical period for studying these interpretative processes, as it is characterized by an unprecedented exposure to novel social situations. Moreover, during this developmental stage, social interpretations have an especially powerful impact on self-esteem and mental health - markedly more so than in childhood or adulthood.