Childhood Experiences Research Articles

Examining the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD in School-Aged Children Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long been associated with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in children; but the data used is now over 6 years old (from 2017 to 2018). Understanding the current landscape of their prevalence and association is needed to capture evolving social, environmental, and economic conditions, and ensure interventions remain relevant to addressing current childhood trauma. This study provides an updated analysis of the association between ACEs and ADHD using post-acute-COVID-19 pandemic data. This cross-sectional study of 10,518 children aged 5 to 17 years old derived data from the 2021 to 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Differences in the prevalence of number (0, 1-3, or 4+) and type of ACEs by ADHD diagnosis were evaluated using Rao-Scott chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. All analyses incorporate complex survey weights. In 2021 to 2022, 2,457 (23.3%) of children experienced ACEs and 1,115 (9.9%) had an ADHD diagnosis. Children with ADHD were more likely to experience every type of ACE and were more likely to have 1 to 3 or 4+ ACEs than children without ADHD. Children with 4+ ACEs had higher odds of having an ADHD diagnosis (aOR: 3.44, 95% CI [2.64, 4.49]) than children without ACEs. Male children, children with fair or poor health, and children living in rural counties were more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis, while children of color and uninsured children were less likely. We found the odds ratio of ADHD diagnosis for children with four or more ACEs, compared to those without ACEs, slightly lower than found in Brown et al., 2017's estimate of 3.97 (CI [3.29, 4.80]). These results suggest a consistent association between ACEs and ADHD when comparing pre-COVID data to our post-acute-COVID results. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider traumatic stress in ADHD screening. Policymakers and early childhood organizations should encourage early screening and intervention for ACEs to reduce the impacts of ADHD diagnoses.

Developing and using an adapted mosaic approach to explore children's foreign language learning experiences in primary school

This article describes an adapted mosaic approach, developed and used in a longitudinal, ethnographic study that explored children's foreign language learning (FLL) experiences in primary school in England. As a methodological innovation within the field of instructed early foreign language learning, the adapted approach addresses an identified need for a wider range of research methodologies and more inductive approaches. The original mosaic approach was initially considered to help address methodological questions that arose during the ethnography. That approach was subsequently adapted and developed in four main ways: firstly, for use within the longitudinal, ethnographic study; second, for use with its older, primary school-aged children; third, for development and use together with children in school rather than a tool designed for use on children and finally, where the focus was upon the process of completion rather than the end product. The adapted approach met the needs identified within the ethnography by further enhancing children's voices, their agency and perspectives within its data collection and analysis. Recommendations for its use in language learning contexts are made to support further research together with children, to help strengthen what is currently known and understood about children's experiences of instructed foreign language learning. This is based on the premise that knowing and understanding more about these will help inform future practices and initiatives.

Exploring the Association between Parenting Stress and a Child’s Exposure to Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)

AbstractHigh levels of parenting stress, defined as a caregiver or parent feeling stress or aggravation from parenting, has been previously shown to be associated with an increased likelihood of neglect, child maltreatment, and household dysfunction: adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Despite the potential mitigation of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) on ACEs, prior studies on the increased likelihood of a child experiencing ACEs due to parenting stress have left a critical question unanswered: whether high parenting stress may decrease a child’s likelihood of experiencing PCEs. We analyzed the 2019–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health to examine whether higher levels of parenting stress are associated with the lower likelihood of experiencing PCEs among children. Children with caregivers experiencing high parenting stress had a lower odds of experiencing many types of PCEs, including after school activities (aOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.38–0.57), community volunteer (aOR 0.63; 95% CI 0.52–0.77), and guiding mentor (aOR 0.65; 95% CI 0.50–0.85). Lowering parenting stress through economic supports and parenting programs/interventions could increase the likelihood that a child experiences PCEs.

The efficacy of augmented reality in small group instruction for children with autism spectrum disorders: a study on observational learning

Objectives Observational learning and augmented reality (AR) are crucial in enhancing learning experiences for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fostering engagement and skill acquisition. The current study aimed to determine the effects of AR technology delivered to them in small group instructional arrangements (SGIA), such as the acquisition of targeted occupation and non-targeted information about the tasks of occupations by children with ASD. The study also aimed to determine the acquisition levels of other children in the group regarding the targeted occupations and non-targeted information about the tasks of the occupations through observational learning. Methods Three males aged between 45–59 months took part in the study. The study was designed with a multiple baseline across participants. Results The findings revealed that the AR intervention delivered in SGIA was effective in teaching occupation and non-targeted information to children with ASD, as well as in maintaining and generalizing the learning by the children to different contexts. Children acquired the occupation and non-targeted information about occupations that were not targeted to be taught to them mostly by observing their peers. Conclusions The findings are discussed in accordance with the findings of previous studies, and suggestions for further research are provided.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in 252 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons: Prevalences, ACE Clustering, and Effects on Adult Health and Behaviors, Including Self-Defined Depression, Work Addiction, and Burnout.

The CDC/Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study documented that ACEs predict adult health and self-harming behaviors. ACEs have been documented in physicians and are higher in physicians treated for problematic behavior. Plastic surgeons have never been assayed. Might ACE prevalences in plastic surgeons predict their adult health and/or behavior? 252 ABPS-certified plastic surgeons (72% men, 28% women, ) completed the 10-question CDC/Kaiser ACE survey by de-identified email. Data was collected on adult health and behaviors previously associated with ACEs in the literature. 42% of plastic surgeons had 1 or more ACEs; 9.9% had 4 or more. Emotional abuse was 2 times higher than the control CDC/Kaiser population, though other ACEs were lower. Gender differences existed: women suffered more sexual abuse (17% vs. 8%), physical neglect (7% vs. 1%), violence against their mothers (7% vs. 2%), and self-defined burnout (32% vs. 17%). ACEs occurred in clusters. Total ACEs predicted autoimmune disorders, chronic pain/fatigue, self-defined depression, irritable bowel, antidepressant/anxiolytic use, alcohol abuse, >3 marriages, >10 sexual partners, sex and work addiction, eating disorders, and self-defined burnout (all p< 0.020). Emotional abuse predicted alcohol abuse. Sexual abuse predicted sex addiction. Emotional neglect predicted autoimmune disease, antidepressant/anxiolytic use, eating disorder, and work addiction. Physical neglect predicted chronic fatigue/chronic pain, depression, and burnout (all p< 0.001 or less). Adverse childhood experiences occurred in 42% of our 252-member plastic surgeon cohort and predicted 13 adult illnesses and self-harming behaviors that can impair surgeons' lives and performances. Recognition may facilitate their recognition and treatment.

Cognitive and affective links between childhood adversity and psychological adjustment in emerging adults with chronic medical conditions.

Childhood adversity has been linked to poor psychological adjustment and decreased emotion regulation (ER) abilities. The extended process model of ER outlines the pivotal role of cognitive appraisals in the generation and expression of emotion as well as the pursuit of ER. The aim of the current study is to examine whether illness-related cognitive appraisals (i.e., illness uncertainty and illness intrusiveness) and emotion dysregulation serially mediate the relationship between childhood adversity and psychological adjustment for emerging adults with chronic medical conditions (CMCs). Participants included 557 undergraduate college students (Mage= 19.53 years, SD = 1.34) enrolled in a Midwestern public university with self-reported CMCs. Participants completed measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), illness uncertainty, illness intrusiveness, emotion dysregulation, anxious symptoms, and depressive symptoms. A path analysis was conducted examining ACEs → cognitive appraisals (i.e., illness uncertainty, illness intrusiveness) → emotion dysregulation → depressive and anxious symptoms. The overall model was significant and predicted 63.5% of the variability in anxious symptoms and 60.2% of the variability in depressive symptoms. All anticipated direct and indirect paths were significant. The current study indicates that greater childhood adversity is indeed associated with negative appraisals of one's CMC, such as greater perceived uncertainty and intrusiveness. Negative illness-related cognitive appraisals thus may limit one's ability to effectively employ adaptive strategies to regulate emotions, which could contribute to greater depressive and anxious symptoms.

Hope, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Resilience in the Criminal Justice System: Reevaluation of Relationships in the Turkish Context

Hope, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Resilience in the Criminal Justice System: Reevaluation of Relationships in the Turkish Context

Feasibility Study of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Treatment-Related Sequelae, and Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancer Survivors.

To explore the incidence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in breast cancer survivors and potential associations with long-term treatment-related sequelae. English-speaking breast cancer survivors three or more years from diagnosis with complete treatment response (N = 120) were recruited prior to scheduled survivorship clinic visits. Participants in this cross-sectional observational feasibility study rated anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive issues, resilience, and ACEs (experienced prior to age 18 years). Blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory and epigenetic biomarkers. ACEs assessment was feasible. Higher ACE scores correlated with greater fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and with lower cognitive function (p < 0.05). Resilience was positively associated with cognitive function and negatively associated with fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is evidence for the impact of ACEs on long-term treatment-related sequelae in women with breast cancer. Oncology nurses should consider incorporating ACEs assessment into the workflow for women receiving survivorship care.

Digital Health Innovations for Screening and Mitigating Mental Health Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Narrative Review.

Exposures to both negative and positive experiences in childhood have proven to influence cardiovascular, immune, metabolic, and neurologic function throughout an individual's life. As such, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) could have severe consequences on health and well-being into adulthood. This study presents a narrative review of the use of digital health technologies (DHTs) and artificial intelligence to screen and mitigate risks and mental health consequences associated with ACEs among children and youth. Several databases were searched for studies published from August 2017 to August 2022. Selected studies (1) explored the relationship between digital health interventions and mitigation of negative health outcomes associated with mental health in childhood and adolescence and (2) examined prevention of ACE occurrence associated with mental illness in childhood and adolescence. A total of 18 search papers were selected, according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, to evaluate and identify means by which existing digital solutions may be useful in mitigating the mental health consequences associated with the occurrence of ACEs in childhood and adolescence and preventing ACE occurrence due to mental health consequences. We also highlighted a few knowledge gaps or barriers to DHT implementation and usability. Findings from the search suggest that the incorporation of DHTs, if implemented successfully, has the potential to improve the quality of related care provisions for the management of mental health consequences of adverse or traumatic events in childhood, including posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidal behavior or ideation, anxiety or depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The use of DHTs, machine learning tools, natural learning processing, and artificial intelligence can positively help in mitigating ACEs and associated risk factors. Under proper legal regulations, security, privacy, and confidentiality assurances, digital technologies could also assist in promoting positive childhood experiences in children and young adults, bolstering resilience, and providing reliable public health resources to serve populations in need.

Childhood Adversity and Life Satisfaction in Adults with Alternative Care Experience in 12 Low- and Middle-Income Nations: The Mediating Roles of Individual and Relational Protective Factors and Resilience

Adults with care experience have elevated rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and a greater likelihood of poor outcomes. Some research has examined how protective factors and resilience impact outcomes among care leavers, but few studies include those from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Further, little work has examined the interactive impact of protective factors and resilience in this population. We investigated (a) the prevalence of ACEs among care leavers from LMICs, the mediating roles of (b) resilience and (c) individual and relational protective factors on the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction, and (d) whether mediation was occurring both in parallel and sequentially. Five hundred forty-two care leavers from twelve LMICs completed an online survey. Participants completed the Brief Resilience Scale, ACEs Questionnaire, and open-ended questions regarding care experiences. Open-ended questions were coded for protective factors. There was a high prevalence of ACEs among care leavers. The relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction was partially mediated by resilience. Individual and relational protective factors partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction. Finally, resilience and protective factors partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction in both parallel and sequential mediation among care leavers from LMICs. Protective factors operate interactively to influence resilience, increasing life satisfaction among care leavers from LMICs.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Suboptimal Self-Rated Health in Adulthood: Exploring Effect Modification by Age, Sex and Race/Ethnicity.

This study examined whether the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and self-rated health among adults in a nationally representative population is modified by age, sex, or race/ethnicity. Cross-sectional study. United States. Data from the 2020 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were obtained from 185731 (weighted N = 47862016) persons 18years or older. The ACE cumulative score (range: 0-11) was calculated using 11 questions about childhood emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and household dysfunction before age 18 and classified as 0 (reference), 1, 2, 3, or ≥4. Self-rated health was divided into (excellent/very good/good [reference]) and suboptimal (fair/poor) categories. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to test for the interaction with age, sex, and race/ethnicity with ACEs. After adjustment for potential confounders, an increasing number of ACEs had statistically significantly higher odds of suboptimal self-rated health in a graded manner except for 1 ACE (1 ACE: aOR:1.09; 95% CI: 1.00-1.20, 2 ACEs: 1.16; 1.03-1.30, 3 ACEs: 1.17; 1.03-1.32 and ≥4 ACEs: 1.39; 1.26-1.53). There was a significant interaction between ACEs and age. Younger age (18-24years) had the strongest association for ≥4 ACEs compared to the older age groups. There was no effect modification by sex or race. ACEs should be considered when creating health-promoting interventions to improve health.

The effects of neighborhood disadvantage and adverse childhood experiences on conditioned pain modulation in adults with chronic low back pain

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) remains a major health crisis worldwide. Current conceptualizations of cLBP utilize the biopsychosocial model, yet research on social factors remains limited. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a risk factor for a variety of chronic health problems, including cLBP. However, the extent to which socioeconomic context might influence associations between ACEs and cLBP remains unclear. Socioeconomic factors such as healthcare access and living conditions, which cluster at the neighborhood level, may affect how ACEs relate to cLBP in adulthood. This study examined (1) the relationship between ACEs and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and (2) the moderating effect of area-level deprivation index (ADI) in a sample of community-dwelling adults with cLBP. 183 adults with cLBP (53% female, 62.8% non-Hispanic Black) reported on ACEs, ADI, sociodemographics, and completed experimental testing of conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Greater ACEs were associated with a less efficient CPM response for individuals residing in low neighborhood deprivation (p < 0.01). ACEs were not significantly associated with CPM for those residing in average (p = 0.31) or high deprivation (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that a history of ACEs is associated with diminished ability to inhibit pain, especially among individuals living in less deprived neighborhoods. The association between ACEs and CPM was weakest for the portion of our sample residing in neighborhoods with the most deprivation. People from disadvantaged backgrounds may experience numerous psychosocial stressors that hinder CPM, making it difficult to assess the specific impact of ACEs on CPM. Trial registrationThis study utilized baseline data collected as part of a parent trial titled “Examining Racial and SocioEconomic Disparities in Chronic Low Back Pain” (ERASED - ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03338192). PerspectiveThis study demonstrates that early life adversity is associated with abnormal endogenous pain modulation, particularly for participants who live in neighborhoods characterized by less deprivation.

Adventure Therapy to Mitigate the Harmful Effects of ACEs with Lower-SES Adolescents

ABSTRACT Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have gained prominence in recent literature for their effects on the well-being of children. Children with ACEs often exhibit maladaptive behaviors, such as anxiety, depression, maladaptive relationships, drug usage, and school issues. Adventure therapy (AT) improves youth’s ability to form relationships, develop self-confidence, improve decision-making, and utilize effective coping strategies. This paper explores the use of AT as a primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention strategy to offset and/or prevent deleterious effects experienced by adolescents with ACEs and provides a case example to conceptualize the use of AT as an intervention for adolescents with ACEs. Considerations, limitations, and resources for conducting AT with lower-SES youths are discussed.

Association between adverse childhood experiences and pregnancy morbidities: A nationwide online-based cross-sectional study.

To examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and pregnancy morbidities, including preterm birth (PTB), gestational diabetes (GDM), preeclampsia, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) among the general population in Japan. The data were from the JACSIS study, an online-based nationwide survey conducted from July to August 2021 in Japan (N = 5444). ACEs included physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, neglect, childhood poverty, bully victimization, domestic violence, parental death, and parental divorce. Pregnancy morbidities, including PTB, GDM, preeclampsia, and SGA were identified through questionnaires. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied. Of 5444 women, 2778 (51.0%) had no ACEs, and 374 (6.9%) had four or more ACEs. A dose-response association was found between total ACE score and PTB and preeclampsia (p-value: 0.016 and 0.001). Women with four or more ACE scores showed higher risks of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] [95% confidence interval, CI]: 3.06 [1.57-5.94], p-value: 0.001). Besides, those with two or three ACEs had higher risks of PTB (aOR [95%CI]: 1.42 [1.01-2.02], p-value: 0.046, and aOR [95%CI]: 1.61 [1.04-2.50], p-value: 0.041), and women with one ACE showed a higher risk of GDM (aOR [95%CI]: 1.34 [1.02-1.77], p-value: 0.035). SGA was not associated with ACEs. ACEs were associated with an increased risk of PTB, preeclampsia, and GDM, but not SGA among the general population in Japan.

The impact of “kidfluencers” on the cultural identity of Kuwaiti middle school students: A parental perspective

In the digital age, “kidfluencers,” or child influencers, have emerged as significant figures in shaping the online experiences of children. This study explores their impact on the cultural identity of Kuwaiti middle school students, as perceived by their parents. Employing a quantitative research design, the researchers collected data via questionnaire from a random sample of 383 parents. The findings reveal the substantial perceived impact which kidfluencers have on various aspects of cultural identity for Kuwaiti middle school students. Notably, they have a significant effect on language acquisition, leading students to adopt non-Kuwaiti vocabulary and slang prevalent in online kidfluencer content. Additionally, kidfluencers affect moderate influences over cultural values, moral beliefs, national identity, and traditions amongst students. This study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted powers which kidfluencers can wield, thus helping inform educational strategies and parental guidance for the online era.

Emotional difficulties mediate the impact of adverse childhood experiences on compulsive buying-shopping problems.

Compulsive buying-shopping is recognised as a significant mental health concern, yet its aetiology is largely understudied. A known risk factor for compulsive buying-shopping is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs are also associated with greater problems regulating emotions, as well as depression and anxiety. These factors are also known to be associated with compulsive buying-shopping problems. In this study, we aimed to test a serial mediation model in which ACEs were associated with compulsive buying-shopping problems via emotion dysregulation, and then emotional psychopathology (depression, anxiety). We tested this model cross-sectionally in two large samples (N = 1,868 & 4,742) to evaluate the robustness of the model. Both samples completed self-report measures of ACEs, emotional dysregulation, compulsive buying, depression, and anxiety symptoms. We found support for indirect effects, and all results were consistent for both samples. ACEs predicted greater emotion dysregulation, which then predicted greater depression and anxiety. In turn, anxiety (but not depression) predicted compulsive buying symptoms. Emotion dysregulation and anxiety consistently mediated the relationship between ACEs and compulsive buying symptoms. Both emotion dysregulation and anxiety represent malleable targets in clinical interventions for compulsive buying-shopping problems. Our findings also suggest that anxiety may be a stronger predictor of compulsive buying compared to depression, which may be an important avenue for future researchers to investigate.

More Than Just Treats? Effects of Grandparental Support for Children Growing up in Adversity.

This study examined whether grandparental support is a protective factor for children's socio-emotional development in the context of adversity. Using longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study, we investigated the effects of grandparental support across development in children with and without adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Socio-emotional development was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when children were aged 3 years (N=10,186), 5 years (N=10,412) and 7 years (N=10,551). Parent-reported grandparental childcare, coresidence and financial help were assessed and parents reported on the occurrence of five ACEs: physical and emotional abuse assessed with the Straus' Conflict Tactics Scale, parental mental illness assessed with the Kessler scale, domestic violence and parental separation. We found that children with relatively higher levels of ACEs showed more prosocial behaviour and less externalizing problems when they received grandparental care compared to non-grandparental (in)formal care, but only at age 3. By age 7, children with higher levels of ACEs receiving grandparental care showed less prosocial behaviour and more externalizing problems. In addition, grandparental financial support at age 3 was related to more externalizing problems. Post-hoc analyses showed that internalizing and externalizing behaviours at age 5 were related to an increased probability of grandparental childcare at age 7, indicating that children's socio-emotional problems trigger grandparental support. Our findings point to a protective effect of grandparental care on children's socio-emotional development at age 3. Our results highlight the importance of going beyond the nuclear family towards the impact of the wider family network when examining children's socio-emotional development. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Three-year-old children with high levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) show more prosocial behaviour and less externalizing behaviour when they receive grandparental care. Grandparental care has therefore protective effects on young children's socio-emotional development in the context of family adversity. Grandparents respond to children's socio-emotional problems and family adversity by increasing financial support and involvement in care. These findings underscore the importance of going beyond the nuclear family towards the impact of the wider family network when examining children's socio-emotional development.

Self-compassion as a protective factor against post-traumatic stress symptoms induced by adverse childhood experiences: A cross-sectional study among Japan air self-defense force new recruits

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may result in long-term mental health complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ACEs are known to be more frequent among military personnel, despite their need to maintain their mental health to accomplish their missions. Self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and understanding, can mitigate the psychological effects of adversity but is also affected by adversity. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the complex relationships between ACEs, self-compassion, and PTSD symptoms among 752 new recruits of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, of whom 537 with ACEs completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the independent effect of self-compassion, measured using the Self-Compassion Scale, on PTSD symptoms. Mediation effect analysis with self-compassion as a mediator was conducted on the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms. We confirmed high levels of ACEs among our participants compared to a healthy population of a previous study, and approximately 6% presented PTSD symptoms above a threshold. Self-compassion was significantly negatively associated with PTSD symptoms (β = −.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], −.34 to −.11). Mediation effect analysis revealed that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms, explaining 6.9% of this effect, and ACEs were negatively associated with self-compassion (β = −.13, 95% CI, −.22 to −.04). These findings suggested that self-compassion is a protective factor against PTSD symptoms, whereas ACEs can decrease self-compassion. Further research should explore educational interventions to enhance self-compassion among individuals with ACEs to mitigate PTSD symptoms.

Using Psychophysiological Data to Facilitate Reflective Conversations with Children about their Player Experiences

Given the ubiquity of videogame play by children, concerns about the impacts of videogames, and increasing evidence of the benefits associated with digital play, it is important to evaluate the player experience (pX) of children. Moreover, it is essential to include children's voices in research about technologies designed for their use. However, eliciting rich, first-hand data on their experiences and perspectives is challenging because it requires children to articulate opinions in a pre-established context of general positivity towards games, alongside potential social desirability bias. In this paper, we present a methodology which uses children's psychophysiology as a prompt for reflective interviews, with two commercial off-the-shelf computer games (Rocket League and LEGO Builder's Journey). We consider the utility, reproducibility, reliability and validity of the method. In assessing the method, we discuss children's experience of wearing the sensors, the insights generated from the psychophysiological data, and the understanding that emerged when prompting children to reflect and comment on their own psychophysiological data.

Essential Skills in Teaching English to Children: A Comprehensive Overview and Research-Based Analysis

Teaching English to children presents unique challenges and requires a specific set of skills distinct from teaching adults. Children acquire language naturally through real-world interaction, play, and sensory experiences. This article examines the essential skills that teachers need to effectively teach English to young learners and optimize their language acquisition. It also incorporates findings from existing research to highlight the effectiveness of various teaching methodologies, stressing the role of motivation, interaction, classroom management, and technology in fostering successful English learning experiences for children.