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The effectiveness of a cognitive enhancement program based on cognitive emotion regulation on executive functions (inhibitory control) of preschool children
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Hanieh Mehdizadeh Hanjani *1   , Keivan Kakabraee2  |
1- Department of Psychology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran
2- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran |
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Abstract: (349 Views) |
Background and Purpose: Executive functions are the most important aspects of children that help them adapt to the environment and peers. Despite its importance, limited studies have investigated the effects of cognitive programs on Iranian preschool children. Therefore, this study aimed to find the effectiveness of a cognitive enhancement package on improving executive functions (inhibition) in preschool children.
Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with one experimental group and one control group. The sample consisted of 36 six-year-old boys from kindergartens in Tehran, Iran, during the summer of 2024, selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups (18 in the cognitive enhancement group and 18 in the control group). The experimental group took part in a cognitive enhancement program based on cognitive emotion regulation for 12 45-minute sessions (three times a week), while the control group received their usual training at their training center. Data were collected using the standardized Go/No-Go cognitive test in Iran, which was administered to both groups at pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS-24 to assess the intervention’s effects over time.
Results: The results showed that the cognitive enhancement program based on emotion regulation was effective in improving executive functions of inhibitory control in preschool children (F (1,34) =15.62, P<0.001).
Conclusion: By the high neuroplasticity of young children’s brains, the cognitive enhancement program has been shown to improve executive functions by increasing brain functional connectivity. These findings emphasize the importance of including cognitive programs in preschool education. |
Article number: 4 |
| Keywords: Cognitive enhancement program, executive functions, preschool children |
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Full-Text [PDF 1340 kb]
(71 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/02/10 | Accepted: 2025/12/20 | Published: 2025/12/20
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