Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
05:48
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
5.8K
A Naturalistic Intervention to Promote Executive Functions in Primary School Children: A Pilot Study
Jonatas B Souza1, Bruna T Trevisan1, Liana G Nunes1
1Post-Graduation Program in Human Development Sciences, CCBS-Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Rua da Consolação, nº 930, São Paulo 01302-907, SP, Brazil.
Brain Sciences
|January 22, 2024
Summary
This study developed a naturalistic program for schools to improve executive functions in children. The program, based on Goal Management Training (GMT), showed significant improvements in working memory and inhibition for students in the experimental group.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Executive functions (EFs) are crucial for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral control, impacting lifelong outcomes like academic success.
- Naturalistic interventions integrated into daily routines are more effective for improving children's EFs.
- Executive dysfunction in children can hinder school performance and daily functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a naturalistic, school-based intervention program grounded in Goal Management Training (GMT).
- To evaluate the effects of this program on executive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) and behavior in elementary school students.
- To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the GMT-based program in a school setting.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 35 students (grades 2-5) with executive dysfunction complaints.
- Random assignment to either an experimental group (EG) receiving the GMT-based EF program or an active control group (citizenship sessions).
- Neuropsychological assessments and parent/teacher questionnaires administered before and after 16 intervention sessions conducted by psychologists.
Main Results:
- The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in working memory and inhibition compared to the control group.
- Parents and teachers, unaware of the group assignments, reported positive changes in executive functions and behavior for students in the EG.
- The intervention showed promising results, indicating potential benefits for children with executive dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- The developed naturalistic, GMT-based program shows potential for enhancing executive functions and behavior in school-aged children.
- The findings support the use of Goal Management Training within school settings for addressing executive dysfunction.
- Further research with larger samples and teacher-led implementation is recommended to confirm efficacy and generalizability.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Information Processing Approach
38
The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is...
38
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
295
Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
295
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
68
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
68
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
58
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
58
01:23Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
268
In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
268
02:30Naturalistic Observations
15.4K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
15.4K