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Cuder A, Pellizzoni S, Di Marco M, Blason C, Doz E, Giofrè D, Passolunghi MC. The impact of math anxiety and self-efficacy in middle school STEM choices: A 3-year longitudinal study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38977942 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In today's world, which is progressively oriented towards science and technology and facing a growing demand for skilled professionals, it becomes essential to identify the factors that encourage individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Previous research has shown that affective-motivational factors, math performance and gender influence STEM occupational and academic choices in adulthood. However, few studies examined how these factors may influence STEM choices as early as middle school. This study aims to assess how math anxiety, math self-efficacy, math performance and gender influence STEM school choices during middle school. METHODS We longitudinally assessed a group of 109 students (Year 6) over three school years, with measurements taken on three different occasions. RESULTS Findings indicated that individuals who made an STEM school choice experienced lower math anxiety, higher self-efficacy and math performance and were predominantly male. Furthermore, the results indicated that both math anxiety in Year 7 and self-efficacy in Year 6 made the most substantial unique contributions to the STEM school choice. CONCLUSION Math anxiety and math self-efficacy seem to be both crucial in influencing middle school students' STEM choices, offering new perspectives for early interventions aimed at promoting more informed school choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cuder
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Miriana Di Marco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudia Blason
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eleonora Doz
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - David Giofrè
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Bernhardt K, Le Beherec S, Uppendahl JR, Fleischmann M, Klosinski M, Rivera LM, Samaras G, Kenney M, Müller R, Nehring I, Mall V, Hahnefeld A. Young children's development after forced displacement: a systematic review. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:20. [PMID: 38303022 PMCID: PMC10835848 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of displacement experiences on 0- to 6-year-old children's social-emotional and cognitive development, as well as influencing factors on reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We systematically searched MEDline, Psyndex, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Elsevier, TandF, Oxford Journal of Refugee Studies, Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, and Canada's Journal on Refugees for existing literature regarding social-emotional and cognitive outcomes in children directly exposed to forced displacement due to political violence. Results were synthesized in the discussion and displayed using harvest plots. RESULTS Our search generated 9,791 articles of which 32 were selected for review and evaluation according to NICE criteria. Included studies provided results for 6,878 forcibly displaced children. Measured outcomes were diverse and included areas such as peer relations, prosocial behavior, family functioning, play, intelligence, learning performance, and language development. Repeated exposure to adverse experiences, separation from parents, parental distress, as well as duration and quality of resettlement in the host country were reported as influencing factors in the reviewed studies. CONCLUSION As protective factors like secure and stable living conditions help to promote children's development, we call for policies that enhance participation in the welcoming society for refugee families. Early integration with low-threshold access to health and educational facilities can help to mitigate the wide-ranging negative consequences of forced displacement on young children's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bernhardt
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Saskia Le Beherec
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kbo Kinderzentrum, Heiglhofstrasse 65, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jana R Uppendahl
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melia Fleischmann
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Klosinski
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Luisa M Rivera
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Georgia Samaras
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martha Kenney
- Department of Women and Gender Studies, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ruth Müller
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ina Nehring
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Mall
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kbo Kinderzentrum, Heiglhofstrasse 65, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Hahnefeld
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kbo Kinderzentrum, Heiglhofstrasse 65, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Cuder A, Živković M, Doz E, Pellizzoni S, Passolunghi MC. The relationship between math anxiety and math performance: The moderating role of visuospatial working memory. J Exp Child Psychol 2023; 233:105688. [PMID: 37156081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2023.105688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
According to the processing efficiency theory (PET), math anxiety would interfere with working memory resources, negatively affecting mathematical abilities. To date, few studies have explored how the interaction between math anxiety and working memory would affect different types of math tasks, especially in primary school children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore whether the interplay between math anxiety and working memory would influence performance in numerical operations (i.e., math fluency task) and mathematical reasoning (i.e., math reasoning task) in a group of primary school children (N = 202). Results showed that visuospatial working memory appeared to moderate the relationship between math anxiety and math performance when the math fluency task was considered, indicating that participants with higher levels of working memory were more negatively affected by math anxiety. No interaction effect was found for the math reasoning task in which students' scores were explained only by visuospatial working memory. The findings suggest that math anxiety and visuospatial working memory interact to influence performance in the math fluency task and that this effect may vary depending on the strategies used to complete the task. On the other hand, results on the math reasoning task showed that visuospatial working memory continues to have a positive effect on the math performance independently of math anxiety. The implications in the educational setting are discussed, pointing to the importance of monitoring and intervention studies on affective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cuder
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marija Živković
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Eleonora Doz
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandra Pellizzoni
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy.
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Živković M, Pellizzoni S, Doz E, Cuder A, Mammarella I, Passolunghi MC. Math self-efficacy or anxiety? The role of emotional and motivational contribution in math performance. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11218-023-09760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractVarious studies have highlighted the important influence of math ability in a numerate society. In this study, we investigated the influence of emotional (math anxiety and math enjoyment) and cognitive-motivational (math self-efficacy) factors on math performance. Participants were 145 fifth-grade students (84 boys and 61 girls). The results showed that math performance was negatively correlated with math anxiety and positively correlated with math enjoyment and math self-efficacy. Moreover, math anxiety was negatively associated with enjoyment in math and math self-efficacy, whereas math enjoyment was positively correlated with math self-efficacy. Hierarchical regression analysis showed a significant influence of math anxiety and math self-efficacy on math performance in fifth-grade students. Results are discussed in terms of a new perspective in emotional and motivational factors to train in school contexts.
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Živković M, Pellizzoni S, Mammarella IC, Passolunghi MC. Executive functions, math anxiety and math performance in middle school students. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 40:438-452. [PMID: 35394078 PMCID: PMC9543615 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies mainly investigated working memory (WM) and math anxiety (MA) leaving almost unexplored other aspects of executive functions (EFs) in middle school period. Filling the gap in the literature, the aims of this study were: (1) to better examine the relationship between MA and math performance, (2) to better examine the relationship between EFs and math performance and (3) to investigate the interplay between EFs and MA on math performances. This study confirmed a significant and negative relationship between MA and math performance, indicates a significant and positive relationship between visuospatial WM and math performance, shifting and math performance and highlight a scarcely investigated indirect influence of MA through the measure of shifting on math performance. Our findings shed further light on the mediating role of EFs between MA and math performance and underline some future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Živković
- Department of Life Sciences, Gaetano Kanizsa Psychology Unit, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandra Pellizzoni
- Department of Life Sciences, Gaetano Kanizsa Psychology Unit, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Maria Chiara Passolunghi
- Department of Life Sciences, Gaetano Kanizsa Psychology Unit, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Wongupparaj P, Kadosh RC. Relating mathematical abilities to numerical skills and executive functions in informal and formal schooling. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:27. [PMID: 35148787 PMCID: PMC8832645 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The current evidence on an integrative role of the domain-specific early mathematical skills and number-specific executive functions (EFs) from informal to formal schooling and their effect on mathematical abilities is so far unclear. The main objectives of this study were to (i) compare the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-specific EFs, and the mathematical abilities between preschool and primary school children, and (ii) examine the relationship among the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-specific EFs, and the mathematical abilities among preschool and primary school children.
Methods The current study recruited 6- and 7-year-old children (Ntotal = 505, n6yrs = 238, and n7yrs = 267). The domain-specific early mathematics as measured by symbolic and nonsymbolic tasks, number-specific EFs tasks, and mathematics tasks between these preschool and primary school children were compared. The relationship among domain-specific early mathematics, number-specific EFs, and mathematical abilities among preschool and primary school children was examined. MANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to test research hypotheses.
Results The current results showed using MANOVA that primary school children were superior to preschool children over more complex tests of the domain-specific early mathematics; number-specific EFs; mathematical abilities, particularly for more sophisticated numerical knowledge; and number-specific EF components. The SEM revealed that both the domain-specific early numerical and the number-specific EFs significantly related to the mathematical abilities across age groups. Nevertheless, the number comparison test and mental number line of the domain-specific early mathematics significantly correlated with the mathematical abilities of formal school children. These results show the benefits of both the domain-specific early mathematics and the number-specific EFs in mathematical development, especially at the key stages of formal schooling. Understanding the relationship between EFs and early mathematics in improving mathematical achievements could allow a more powerful approach in improving mathematical education at this developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peera Wongupparaj
- Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit, College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science, Burapha University, Saen Suk, Thailand.
| | - Roi Cohen Kadosh
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Živković M, Pellizzoni S, Mammarella IC, Passolunghi MC. The relationship betweens math anxiety and arithmetic reasoning: The mediating role of working memory and self-competence. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe complex interplay between cognitive and emotional factors at the base of maths achievement started to be evaluated and quantified in the last few years. Only a few studies, anyway, examine at the same time, the role of working memory (visuospatial and verbal subsystem) and maths anxiety together with self-competence, on maths attainment. To investigate the specific link between these three factors, in a large developmental sample, we enrol 335 students from the 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades. In respect to emotional and motivational factors, data indicates a direct influence of maths anxiety on maths performance. Furthermore, the results highlight that maths anxiety differently impacts working memory subsystems. In fact, we observe a significant and indirect effect of MA, through the visuospatial system, on maths achievement. Our results provide further support to the hypothesis that maths anxiety is a special type of anxiety, most likely impacting the visuospatial rather than the verbal working memory subsystem. Data is discussed in terms of a possible mechanism underlying maths anxiety and visuospatial working memory at the base of this specificity, and in relation to the role of self-competence in this interplay.
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Chwastek S, Leyendecker B, Busch J. Socio-Emotional Problems and Learning Skills of Roma and Recently Arrived Refugee Children in German Elementary Schools. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: In Germany, many recently arrived and minority families live in multi-ethnic, high-poverty districts. Multiple risk factors threaten their children’s development. Aims: We examined the socio-emotional problems of these children in relation to their academic learning skills and executive functioning. Method: We compared teacher-rated socio-emotional problems of n = 112 Roma children (90% foreign-born), n = 101 refugee children (all foreign-born), and n = 56 German-born immigrant children (age in months: M = 99.66, SD = 13.61) between groups and to norm data. We related socio-emotional problems to receptive vocabulary, cognitive reasoning, motor skills, and executive functioning in n = 83 refugee and Roma children. Results: Roma children showed higher rates above cut-off than norm data in all subscales, more problems in all subscales but emotional symptoms than immigrant children, and more hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems than refugee children. Refugee children showed higher rates above cut-off than norm data in all subscales and more peer problems than immigrant children. Academic learning skills were overall below average among recently arrived children. Prosocial behavior was positively linked to fine motor skills. Other socio-emotional problems were not linked to academic learning skills and executive functioning. Gross and visuo-motor skills correlated positively with other academic learning skills. Limitations: We analyzed cross-sectional data. We did not include risk factors or non-immigrant German children. Conclusion: The heightened socio-emotional problems and low academic learning skills of refugee and particularly Roma children in high-poverty districts could jeopardize their educational trajectories. Additional support measures could increase their chances for educational participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Chwastek
- Faculty of Psychology, Child and Family Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Birgit Leyendecker
- Faculty of Psychology, Child and Family Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Julian Busch
- Faculty of Psychology, Child and Family Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
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Pellizzoni S, Cargnelutti E, Cuder A, Passolunghi MC. The interplay between math anxiety and working memory on math performance: a longitudinal study. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1510:132-144. [PMID: 34951707 PMCID: PMC9304239 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mathematical skills are essential to mastering everyday activities, making professional choices, and exercising citizenship in a numerate society. There is extensive evidence of the relationship between math anxiety (MA) and working memory (WM) influencing
math attainment. Studies have mainly considered adult samples, however, leaving primary school children almost unexplored. This study is a first attempt to examine how the complex interplay between MA and WM affects math achievement from a developmental perspective. A total of 148 third graders were assessed with WM, general anxiety (GA), MA, and math tasks. Anxiety and WM were assessed at the beginning of the school year when children started attending grade 3, while math achievement was tested twice at the start of grades 3 and 4. The findings seem to confirm that GA has both a direct and an indirect effect (mediated by WM) on math performance in third and fourth graders. MA has a direct effect on math performance in grade 4, but only an indirect effect in grade 3, suggesting MA has a developmental trajectory, becoming stronger over time. The implications in the educational setting are discussed, pointing to the importance of a combined intervention on MA and WM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Cargnelutti
- Dipartimento/Unità Operativa Pasian di Prato, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cuder
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Johnson D, Policelli J, Li M, Dharamsi A, Hu Q, Sheridan MA, McLaughlin KA, Wade M. Associations of Early-Life Threat and Deprivation With Executive Functioning in Childhood and Adolescence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2021; 175:e212511. [PMID: 34309651 PMCID: PMC8314173 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.2511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Many studies have demonstrated an association between early-life adversity (ELA) and executive functioning in children and adolescents. However, the aggregate magnitude of this association is unknown in the context of threat and deprivation types of adversity and various executive functioning domains. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that experiences of deprivation are more strongly associated with reduced executive functioning compared with experiences of threat during childhood and adolescence. DATA SOURCES Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2020. Both forward and reverse snowball citation searches were performed to identify additional articles. STUDY SELECTION Articles were selected for inclusion if they (1) had a child and/or adolescent sample, (2) included measures of ELA, (3) measured executive functioning, (4) evaluated the association between adversity and executive functioning, (5) were published in a peer-reviewed journal, and (6) were published in the English language. No temporal or geographic limits were set. A 2-reviewer, blinded screening process was conducted. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS PRISMA guidelines were used to guide data extraction and article diagnostics (for heterogeneity, small study bias, and p-hacking). Article quality was assessed, and data extraction was performed by multiple independent observers. A 3-level meta-analytic model with a restricted maximum likelihood method was used. Moderator analyses were conducted to explore heterogeneity. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes included measures of the 3 domains of executive functioning: cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory. RESULTS A total of 91 articles were included, representing 82 unique cohorts and 31 188 unique individuals. Deprivation, compared with threat, was associated with significantly lower inhibitory control (F1,90 = 5.69; P = .02) and working memory (F1,54 = 5.78; P = .02). No significant difference was observed for cognitive flexibility (F1,36 = 2.38; P = .12). The pooled effect size of the association of inhibitory control with deprivation was stronger (Hedges g = -0.43; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.29) compared with threat (Hedges g = -0.27; 95% CI, -0.46 to -0.08). The pooled effect size of the association of working memory with deprivation was stronger (Hedges g = -0.54; 95% CI, -0.75 to -0.33) compared with threat (Hedges g = -0.28; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Experiences of both threat and deprivation in childhood and adolescence were associated with reduced executive functioning, but the association was stronger for exposure to deprivation. Efforts to address the consequences of ELA for development should consider the associations between specific dimensions of adversity and specific developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Johnson
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Policelli
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Min Li
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyna Dharamsi
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qiaochu Hu
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret A. Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | | | - Mark Wade
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Aghajafari F, Pianorosa E, Premji Z, Souri S, Dewey D. Academic Achievement and Psychosocial Adjustment in Child Refugees: A Systematic Review. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:908-916. [PMID: 32803884 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Child refugees are at high risk for problems with academic achievement and psychosocial well-being. We aimed to review the literature concerning these outcomes in primary school-aged child refugees. This study was a systematic review and included studies that reported on outcomes of interest in child refugees between 5 and 12 years of age. Our search generated 3,172 articles; we selected 313 for review and included 45. Child refugees are diverse in their educational performance, and early deficits often resolve with time spent in the host country. These children are at an increased risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties, and multiple factors are associated with these outcomes. Although educational difficulties of primary school-aged child refugees in high-income countries tend to resolve, the risks for psychosocial problems persist. This review provides a deepened understanding of the diverse educational and psychosocial experiences of these children and highlights the need for developing health and educational programs to support this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Aghajafari
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | | | - Zahra Premji
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Soheil Souri
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Bernabini L, Tobia V, Guarini A, Bonifacci P. Predictors of Children's Early Numeracy: Environmental Variables, Intergenerational Pathways, and Children's Cognitive, Linguistic, and Non-symbolic Number Skills. Front Psychol 2020; 11:505065. [PMID: 33240141 PMCID: PMC7677194 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.505065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Early numeracy skills in preschool years have been found to be related to a variety of different factors, including Approximate Number System (ANS) skills, children's cognitive and linguistic skills, and environmental variables such as home numeracy activities. The present study aimed to analyze the differential role of environmental variables, intergenerational patterns, children's cognitive and linguistic skills, and their ANS in supporting early math skills. The sample included 64 children in their last year of kindergarten and one parent of each child. Children were administered a battery of cognitive and linguistic tasks, and a non-symbolic comparison task as a measure of ANS. Parents were administered similar tasks assessing cognitive skills, math skills, and ANS skills (estimation and non-symbolic comparison), together with a questionnaire on home numeracy. Results showed that home numeracy predicted children's early math skills better than a number of parent and child variables. Considering children's skills, their ability in the non-symbolic magnitude comparison task was the strongest predictor of early math skills. Results reinforce the importance of the role of home numeracy activities and children's ANS skills above that of parents' math skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bernabini
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Tobia
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bonifacci
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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The relationship of working memory and inhibition with different number knowledge skills in preschool children. J Exp Child Psychol 2020; 203:105014. [PMID: 33232915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2020.105014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the contribution of specific executive function (EF) components to different number knowledge skills. A sample of 143 children attending the last year of preschool educational services (Mage = 65.01 months, SD = 3.57) were tested on five number knowledge tasks from the Numerical Intelligence Battery and four EF tasks assessing working memory (WM) and inhibition. First, we examined the interrelationship between different number skills; the results suggested that the relationship between basic informal skills (set comparison and number sequence) and formal skills (seriation of Arabic numerals and number comparison) was mediated by the ability to link sets to numerals. Next, we explored the contribution of WM and inhibition to different number knowledge skills. The structural equation model showed that WM and inhibition were differentially related to specific number knowledge skills. Specifically, WM predicted most components of number knowledge, including the two basic informal skills and the number comparison, whereas inhibition contributed to the seriation of Arabic numerals. The ability to link sets to numerals was predicted only by number sequence, not by EF components.
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