Learning
Marjan Sadat Ghazizadeh; Khadijeh Abolmaali; Hayedeh Saberi; Hossein Ebrahimi Moghaddam
Abstract
This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of a creativity training program on the executive functions of preschool children. The research method employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, one-month follow-up, and a control group. The population consisted of five to six-year-old ...
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This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of a creativity training program on the executive functions of preschool children. The research method employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, one-month follow-up, and a control group. The population consisted of five to six-year-old children in the preschool stage in District One of Tehran during the academic year 2021-2022. The sample size was selected based on Cohen's table with an effect size of 0.5 and a test power of 0.8, equaling 15 participants for each group. 30 children who met the entry criteria were identified and randomly replaced in two control and experimental groups. Participants completed such computer-based tests as Hungry Donkey Task, Tower of Hanoi, Continuous Performance Test, and N-Back Spatial Working Memory. During this period, the control group followed their normal daily schedule. Data was analyzed using mixed analysis of variance. The results indicated that the creativity training program significantly influenced decision-making, problem-solving, continuous attention, and spatial working memory. It is suggested that child psychologists and people dealing with preschool children use creativity training to enhance executive functions in preschool children.Keywords: Creativity training, Executive functions, Preschool children.
Seyedeh Narges Abdollahi Keivani; Khadijeh Abolmaali
Abstract
Emotional-behavioral problems are common in preschool-children and might have some destructive effects on them as well as others. Sand tray therapy is an effective technique that encourages children to express their thoughts, feelings, and conflicts through symbolic expression and story. In this technique ...
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Emotional-behavioral problems are common in preschool-children and might have some destructive effects on them as well as others. Sand tray therapy is an effective technique that encourages children to express their thoughts, feelings, and conflicts through symbolic expression and story. In this technique a person has an opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain acceptance of self. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of sand tray therapy on reducing emotional-behavioural problems among preschool children. A randomized controlled trial method was applied in this research. The statistical population consisted of preschool children who suffered from behavioural-emotional problems in Tehran in 2016. Three centers were randomly selected from preschool centers in Tehran. The scale of Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was completed by parents. 24 children whose scores placed between the boundary range of 65<T<69 and clinical condition of T>69 were identified and they were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (12 in per group). The experimental group was individually treated using the sand tray, but the control group did not receive any treatment. ANCOVA test was used for data analysis by SPSS 22. The results showed that sand tray therapy could reduce anxiety/depression and social problems (in the area of emotional problems) and aggression (in the area of the behavioral problem) in preschool children significantly. According to the results, it is recommended that child psychologists apply the sand tray therapy for reduction some of emotional-behavioural problems such as anxiety, depression, and social problems in preschool children.