Abstract
We examined the relation between different kinds of play behavior (video games, exergames, board games) in kindergarten (T1) and components of executive function (EF; inhibition, switching, verbal and visuospatial updating) in kindergarten and second grade (T1 and T2). Ninety-seven children participated in this longitudinal study. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding children's play behavior, reporting frequency, duration, and game type. The results indicate that play behavior is associated with EF development in children; however, only exergames, electronic puzzle games, and board games predicted EF at T2. Additionally, the time spent on electronic games was negatively related to visuospatial updating at T1 but did not predict EF at T2. The results support further investigation of a potential link between board game and exergame play behavior and EF development.
Highlights
Executive functions (EF) are an umbrella term for various cognitive processes which involve planning, monitoring, and selecting one’s behavior
We examined the relation between different kinds of play behavior in kindergarten (T1) and components of executive function (EF; inhibition, switching, verbal and visuospatial updating) in kindergarten and second grade (T1 and T2)
The results indicate that play behavior is associated with EF development in children; only exergames, electronic puzzle games, and board games predicted EF at T2
Summary
Executive functions (EF) are an umbrella term for various cognitive processes which involve planning, monitoring, and selecting one’s behavior. Research has shown that play promotes development in mul tiple domains, such as creativity, cognition, language, and emotion [38]. This makes play “the most natural way children learn all over the world” As play constitutes a fundamental part of children’s everyday lives, research in this area is essential With this in mind, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of play behavior on the development of EF by focusing on the effectiveness of different game types, including exergames, three-dimensional video games, balancing video games, touchscreen games, and board games
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