Scientists have found a way to reduce the negative effects of poverty on children’s brains
[ad_1]
Reading for pleasure can counteract some of the negative effects of poverty on the brain. This is stated in a study published in Psychological Medicine, writes The Conversation. Research has shown that early childhood poverty is a risk factor even for lower levels of education. It is also associated with differences in brain structure, cognitive decline, behavioral problems and mental health symptoms. Poverty and brain health A report by the London School of Economics says that poverty is likely to shift people’s attention to meeting immediate needs and countering threats. People become more focused on the present, make less plans for the future and are not inclined to take risks. Studies have shown that the outer layer of the brain, called the cortex, has a larger surface area and is thicker in people of higher socio-economic status than in poorer people. Photo: olly18/Depositphotos Importantly, the results of another study showed that when low socioeconomic status mothers received monthly cash gifts, their children’s brain health improved. Also, children from families with a low socio-economic level have worse stress coping mechanisms and feel less self-confident. Lack of safe spaces and good conditions for play and training, as well as limited access to computers and other educational support systems, can also play a role. Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand how poverty affects the brain. There are many factors that interact, including poor nutrition and stress in the family due to financial problems. Reading for pleasure Research shows that reading for pleasure in early childhood contributes to better cognition, mental health and educational attainment in adolescence. The researchers observed the development of more than 10,000 children aged 9 to 13 from different ethnic groups and different socio-economic status. Half of the group started reading early in childhood, while the other half never read in early childhood or started reading late. Reading for pleasure in early childhood has been linked to better educational achievement in adolescence, as well as fewer mental health problems. The results of the study showed that reading for pleasure in early childhood can be useful regardless of the socio-economic status and initial level of intelligence of children. Researchers have found that children who read for pleasure have larger cortical surface areas in several brain regions strongly associated with cognitive function and mental health. However, scientists have found a way that can slightly reduce the negative impact of social status on a child’s development. How Reading Can Improve Cognition Language learning, particularly through reading and discussing books, is known to be a key factor in healthy brain development. It is also an important building block for other forms of cognition, including memory, planning, self-control, and social intelligence. While reading alone is unlikely to completely reverse the complex effects of poverty on the brain, it is a simple method for improving children’s development and achievement. “Our findings also have important implications for parents, educators, and policymakers in promoting reading for pleasure in young children. This may, for example, help counteract some of the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on young children’s cognitive development,” say the researchers. Read also: “To read or not to read?” – a question that may become irrelevant
[ad_2]
Original Source Link
