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Short playful interactions improve executive functions in children
Daniela Yaffe1,2, Limor Shtoots3, Omer Kochav Isakow1
1Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, 4610101, Herzliya, Israel.
Scientific Reports
|July 3, 2025
Summary
Social playfulness enhances children's executive functions (EFs) and mood. Short playful interactions improved attention and mood in children aged 6-10, suggesting playfulness as a valuable EF training tool.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Executive Functions (EFs) are crucial for lifelong success, encompassing planning, decision-making, and self-regulation.
- EFs are malleable in children, with interventions effectively enhancing these skills.
- Social playfulness is a natural aspect of childhood with potential for cognitive benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of short playful interactions versus physical activity on children's EF performance and mood.
- To assess the influence of social playfulness on attentional control and positive affect.
- To explore the role of playful interactions in fostering social bonds.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-two children aged 6-10 participated in either a playful interaction or a physical activity with an adult.
- Children's EF performance was assessed using tasks like the Flanker task.
- Mood and social bonding were also measured post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Playful interaction significantly improved attentional performance, specifically response times in the Flanker task.
- Physical activity did not yield similar improvements in EF performance.
- Playful interaction also enhanced positive mood and strengthened social bonds with the co-player.
Conclusions:
- Social playfulness is a multidimensional activity engaging cognitive, emotional, and social functions.
- Playful interactions show promise as an enjoyable and easily integrated intervention for training EFs in primary school children.
- These findings highlight the potential of social playfulness for enhancing executive functions and overall well-being in children.
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