Psychological Research in Individuals with Exceptional Needs (PRIEN)

The intersection of education and mental health is a critical arena that demands robust collaboration between schools and mental health services. The importance of this collaboration cannot be overstated, as schools play a pivotal role in the early identification and intervention of mental health issues among students. This letter aims to highlight the significance of enhancing collaboration between educational institutions and mental health services, drawing on recent research and practical examples to underscore its necessity and potential benefits. Thus, enhancing collaboration between schools and mental health services is essential for addressing the complex mental health needs of students. By adopting collaborative models, empowering school personnel, addressing barriers, building social capital, and implementing reflective practices, schools can create a supportive environment that promotes student well-being. The integration of mental health services within the educational setting not only facilitates early identification and intervention but also ensures that students receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. As we continue to explore and implement strategies for effective collaboration, it is imperative that we prioritize the mental health of our students, recognizing that their well-being is fundamental to their overall development and success.

This study aims to explore the role of neurofeedback in managing behavioral issues in children with exceptional needs. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach to gain deep insights into participants' experiences. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select 20 participants, including 8 parents, 5 neurofeedback practitioners, 4 educators, and 3 pediatric psychologists/psychiatrists. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify and develop key themes from the data, ensuring credibility and reliability through member checking and peer debriefing. The study identified significant improvements in children's attention, emotional regulation, social interactions, academic performance, and overall well-being following neurofeedback therapy. Participants reported enhanced focus, reduced tantrums, better peer relationships, improved grades, and increased energy levels. Challenges included accessibility issues, therapy duration, individual differences in response, and technical difficulties. These findings align with previous studies demonstrating the efficacy of neurofeedback in managing behavioral issues in children with ADHD, ASD, and other developmental disorders. Neurofeedback shows promise as an effective intervention for managing behavioral issues in children with exceptional needs. However, challenges such as accessibility, therapy duration, and technical difficulties need to be addressed. Future research should focus on larger, more diverse samples, control groups, and long-term effects. Practical recommendations include increasing accessibility, tailoring treatment plans, and integrating neurofeedback with other therapeutic approaches for holistic child development.

The article "The Role of Parental Scaffolding in the Language Acquisition of Children with Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Study" was published in error. We removed it when the error was brought to our attention. This study investigates the role of parental scaffolding in supporting language acquisition among children with developmental delays. Qualitative methods were employed to capture in-depth perspectives from 25 caregivers of children aged 3 to 6 years with developmental delays. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data on parental scaffolding practices. Data analysis followed a thematic approach, where transcripts were coded and themes related to responsive interactions, language modeling, and support strategies were identified. The findings underscored the significant impact of parental scaffolding on language acquisition. Responsive interactions, including prompting and encouragement, emerged as crucial in stimulating communication and fostering confidence in children. Caregivers’ effective modeling of language, through descriptive speech and vocabulary expansion, was associated with enhanced linguistic competence. Moreover, structured support strategies such as visual aids and routine establishment facilitated comprehension and communication clarity, mitigating challenges associated with developmental delays. In conclusion, parental scaffolding plays a pivotal role in enhancing language development in children with developmental delays. By adapting support strategies to meet the child’s needs and abilities, caregivers can effectively promote language skills crucial for cognitive, social, and academic growth. These findings underscore the importance of integrating evidence-based scaffolding practices into therapeutic and educational interventions to optimize language outcomes for this vulnerable population.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between cognitive failures, sense of coherence, and academic resilience in children with speech impairments. The objective is to determine how cognitive and psychological factors predict resilience in this population. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 376 children with speech impairments, aged 8 to 12 years. Participants were recruited from special education centers and mainstream schools. Academic resilience, cognitive failures, and sense of coherence were measured using the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30), Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), and Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis examined the relationships between variables, and linear regression analysis determined the predictive value of cognitive failures and sense of coherence on academic resilience. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate levels of academic resilience (M = 78.45, SD = 11.32) among participants. Cognitive failures (M = 43.29, SD = 9.87) negatively correlated with academic resilience (r = -0.56, p < .001), while sense of coherence (M = 65.14, SD = 10.45) positively correlated (r = 0.63, p < .001). The regression model was significant (F(2, 373) = 173.27, p < .001), explaining 48% of the variance in academic resilience (R² = 0.48). Cognitive failures (B = -0.45, p < .001) and sense of coherence (B = 0.59, p < .001) were significant predictors of academic resilience. The findings underscore the significant roles of cognitive failures and sense of coherence in predicting academic resilience in children with speech impairments. Interventions targeting cognitive improvement and psychological support can enhance resilience, thereby promoting better academic outcomes. Future research should explore longitudinal trajectories and the effectiveness of specific interventions to further support these children.

This study aimed to explore the relationships between moral reasoning, fear of negative evaluation, and social competence in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By examining these variables, the study sought to identify key predictors of moral reasoning in this population. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 364 participants with ADHD, recruited from clinical settings. Participants completed self-report measures, including the Defining Issues Test (DIT) for moral reasoning, the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), and the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) for social competence. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27, with Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses to examine the relationships between the variables. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 38.47 (SD = 7.53) for moral reasoning, 49.28 (SD = 10.34) for fear of negative evaluation, and 75.82 (SD = 12.45) for social competence. Pearson correlation showed a significant negative relationship between fear of negative evaluation and moral reasoning (r = -.42, p < .001), and a significant positive relationship between social competence and moral reasoning (r = .38, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that fear of negative evaluation and social competence together accounted for 34% of the variance in moral reasoning (R² = .34, p < .001). The findings suggest that both fear of negative evaluation and social competence are significant predictors of moral reasoning in individuals with ADHD. Enhancing social skills and reducing social anxiety may positively impact moral reasoning. These insights underscore the importance of targeted interventions to support the social and moral development of individuals with ADHD.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between curiosity, social support, and emotion regulation in individuals with specific learning disorders (SLD). The objective was to determine how social support and emotion regulation predict levels of curiosity in this population, providing insights for effective interventions. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 252 participants, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie table. Data were collected using the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (CEI-II) for curiosity, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) for social support, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) for emotion regulation. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 to examine the relationships between the variables. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate levels of curiosity, social support, and emotion regulation among participants. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between curiosity and both social support (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and emotion regulation (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that social support and emotion regulation collectively accounted for 37% of the variance in curiosity (R² = 0.37, F(2, 249) = 72.19, p < 0.001). Both social support (B = 0.32, p < 0.001) and emotion regulation (B = 0.25, p < 0.001) emerged as significant predictors of curiosity. The findings highlight the significant roles of social support and emotion regulation in fostering curiosity among individuals with SLD. Supportive social environments and effective emotion regulation strategies are critical for promoting curiosity and engagement. These insights can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the well-being and academic success of individuals with SLD.