Mental Development Of Children Research Articles

The integration strategy and effect evaluation of art teaching and mental health counseling in preschool education

As the foundation period of primary education, preschool education is an indispensable part of the national education system, which plays a significant role in the physical, psychological, and physiological aspects of individuals. As an essential introductory course of preschool education, art education not only bears the responsibility of aesthetic education but also plays an essential role in the development of mental health because of its disciplinary characteristics. In this paper, the control group will receive traditional art education and mental health counseling separately, while the experimental group will be provided with a holistic art education program and integrated counseling for mental well-being. The experimental results will have specific practical significance for improving children's art education and promoting children's mental health development.

Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Habits in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Sleep plays a crucial role in children's motor, mental, and cognitive development. Due to the significant prevalence of sleep problems in children with autism and the side effects of pharmacological therapy, complementary interventions should be considered. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep habits in children with autistic spectrum disorder. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 children with autistic spectrum disorder in Mashhad, Iran. The control group received routine care from the family. In the intervention group, in addition to the routine family care, a foot reflexology massage was performed for 15 min by parents for 30 nights before bedtime for children. The standard Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was completed 3 times in both groups. In the control group, the questionnaire was completed at the beginning of the study, on the 15th day, and on the 30th day after entering the study. In the intervention group, the questionnaire was completed before the intervention, on the 15th day after the intervention, and on the 30th day after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 by the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Among the children included in the study, 78.3% were male, and their mean age was 8.56 ± 2.4 years. The mean total score of children's sleep habits before the intervention was not significantly different between the control and intervention groups (P = 0.71). After the intervention, the mean total score of children's sleep habits was significantly different between the control and intervention groups (P = 0.001). The foot reflexology massage, with a score reduction of 8.13 ± 3.95 points, had a significant impact on the score of sleep habits in the intervention group (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Foot reflexology massage improves the quality of sleep in children with autism and can be recommended as a safe intervention for parents of children with autism.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Kindergarten Children: Prevalence, Intensity and Associated Factors in Bule Hora Town.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a common problem in Ethiopia. This parasite affects the physical and mental development of children, causing malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia. However, there are inadequate studies that demonstrate the extent of STHs and associated factors among kindergarten children in South Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of STH infection among kindergarten students in Bule Hora town. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 235 kindergarten children in Bule Hora town from January to February 2023. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on associated factors. EpiData and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Results: In the present study, the prevalence of STH was 28.5% (95% CI: 22.7%-34.3%). A. lumbricoides 26 (11.1%) was the most common parasite identified. The arithmetic mean (+SD) of the egg counts for each species of STHs was as follows: A. Lumbricoides 1886.9 (+2103.2), T. Trichiura 299.2 (+305.8), and hookworms 756.1 (+739.4). Factors that showed significant association in the current study were hand washing after the toilet (AOR: 2.992, 95% CI: 1.299-6.891,), fingernail trimming (AOR: 3.646, 95% CI: 1.704-7.798,), and shoe wearing habit (AOR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.170-3.924,). Conclusion: STH infection is a health problem among kindergarten children in Bule Hora town. Comprehensive health education on the value of hygienic habits, improved sanitation, and routine deworming of kindergarten children should be included in prevention and control efforts.

Sex and age factors of mental development of children born to mothers with epilepsy

Mother’s epilepsy is a risk factor for the neurocognitive development of the child, since it belongs to a group of chronic diseases and constant medication, even during pregnancy, is a Author for correspondence. 46 Вестник СПбГУ. Психология. 2024. Т. 14. Вып. 1 vital for patients with epilepsy. It carries various risks, which include intrauterine growth restrictions, congenital malformations, negative effects on cognitive functions and an increased risk of mental retardation of the child. That is why the bulk of research is focused on the effect of certain antiepileptic drugs on the physical development of the child. However, researchers rarely carry out comprehensive assessment of the influence of prenatal, perinatal and age-related factors of the child’s development, and this area remains unstudied. This article presents the results of a study of sex and age factors of mental development and adaptation of children born to mothers with epilepsy. The study involved 176 people: 88 children aged from 3 to 9 years and their mothers suffering from epilepsy. As a result, it was found that the male fetus was more vulnerable to prenatal influences: boys had more pronounced disorders of mental development (motor awkwardness, hyperactivity, attention deficit, oral speech disorders) and adaptation (socialization disorders, emotional-volitional disorders, aggressiveness and oppositional reactions, behavior problems). Some of disorders of mental development (delay in the development of speech, praxis and logical thinking) were compensated with child’s age and secondary disorders — adaptation problems (socialization disorders, somatic and internalization problems, isolation and anxiety) became more significant. Disorders of mental development in children are caused not only by the toxic effects of medication taken by the mother, but also depend on the form and severity of mother’s epilepsy before and during pregnancy, her concomitant diseases, as well as the type of feeding of the child in the first year of life.

Policy Strategies to Reduce Stunting Prevalence in Sawahlunto City

This study analyzes stunting reduction policy strategies in Sawahlunto City, one of the areas with the highest stunting prevalence in Indonesia. Stunting is a condition of low height of children according to their age, which can interfere with children's physical and mental development. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, research data were obtained from primary data from interviews and secondary data from documentation studies. Data is analyzed by source triangulation techniques, reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study show that the stunting reduction policy strategy is in the form of a healthy kitchen program to overcome stunting (Dashat), which aims to increase balanced nutrition intake for families at risk of stunting through the provision of healthy food sources, processing of nutritious supplementary foods, providing nutritional counseling and cooking training, as well as monitoring and evaluating the nutritional status of children. Nevertheless, this policy strategy has not been successful because.

Perkembangan Akhir Masa Anak-Anak

Late childhood or what is known as elementary school age (SD) is a period of life development that lasts from the age of six until a child moves into adolescence and becomes sexually mature. The end of childhood is marked by dominant situations that can influence the child's personal adjustment and social adjustment. The research uses a critical review method by reading various books, journals or other publications related to the research topic discussed. The journals chosen consist of national and international journals, as well as several official websites. The research source comes from articles obtained via the internet in the form of research articles discussing late childhood development. The research results are as follows; a) Cognitive development is a person's ability to acquire, process and use information obtained from the surrounding environment b) Piaget and named the second level of moral development at the end of childhood as the level of conventional morality or morality from conventional rules and adjustments. c) Implications for children's end-of-life development in counseling services which aim to help them get to know themselves, develop their potential, overcome difficulties, and prepare children's mental and social development, as well as overcome problems experienced by children such as obstacles, disturbances and difficulties.

Swimming as a means of harmonious development of high school children

This article is devoted to the study of the role of swimming as a harmonious development of children of high school age. In the context of the modern educational process, where the emphasis is on a comprehensive approach to the physical and mental development of children, swimming is an effective means of achieving this goal.
 The positive influence of swimming on the physical condition of children, in particular on the development of the musculoskeletal system and the cardiovascular system, improving their physical strength, endurance and coordination of movements is considered. Special attention is paid to the positive effect of swimming on the child's body. The impact of swimming on improving mental health has been analyzed, indicating the level of concentration, self-discipline and general emotional stability in children engaged in this sport. Immersion in water can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Swimming can improve mood, reduce anxiety levels and promote a general sense of well-being. It is also important to note the social aspect joint training and teamwork can help to form friendships and increase self-esteem.
 The conclusions of the article emphasize the importance of including swimming in the system of physical education, as an effective tool for achieving the harmonious development of their physical and mental health.

Strategi Pemerintah Kota Surabaya Dalam Upaya Percepatan Penurunan Stunting

Stunting is a failure of growth and development that disrupts the growth of toddlers due to continuous inadequate nutrition. Malnutrition during the growth period of children at an early age will hamper physical development, increase morbidity, and hinder children's mental development until death occurs. Whereas in toddlers it causes intellectual abilities and productivity to decrease. Currently, the stunting rate in Surabaya City is in the lowest position compared to other cities/districts throughout Indonesia. This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. This research focuses on knowing what strategies are used so that the success of the stunting reduction acceleration program in the Surabaya City Government occurs. Researchers conducted data analysis using the collaborative governance theory put forward by Ansell and Gash (2007) which focuses on collaborative processes. The data collection technique used secondary data obtained from news articles online and relevant journal articles. The data analysis technique involved data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the research show that the collaborative process in handling stunting is going quite well and effectively. This is proven by the decreasing in the number of stunting in the city of Surabaya, which decreases every year. Reducing stunting requires support from stakeholders, the organizations involved, and the people of Surabaya City. With this, it is hoped that the Surabaya City Government will be further motivated and continue to implement the program sustainably until there are no new cases of stunting.

Cartoon’s Content and their Impact on Children’s Psychology

Cartoons and animated world of feature films absorb a considerable amount of a children's viewing time and undeniably questionable in terms of their content. The objectives of this study is to investigate the impact of cartoons on children’s behaviour. Researcher used stratified and purposive sampling techniques for analyzing the conduct of children. The focus group encompassed of 92 children. This study covers those cartoons which are shown in Pakistan or in dubbed in Pakistan. The study also covered the Free Animation Movies available on YouTube. For fulfilling the purpose of this study, the researcher used focus group, age 6 to 10 from different cities of Punjab. Using purposive sampling, the selected groups of children were shown cartoon animation movies. The findings of this study suggests that the cartoon animated movies effect on the children differently. Researcher observed cartoons and specific characters have a dark side that seriously harms a child's social and mental development. This study also examines how the psychology of school-age children is affected by the Cartoon Network, and how this affects not only their conduct but also their ability to persuade their parents to buy accessories featuring posters of their favorite cartoon character.

The role and significance of mobile games in the process of psychological and psychophysiological development of young football players at the stage of initial training

Organized football increasingly goes against the capabilities and needs of the child. This trend is especially critical at the stage of initial preparation. In addition to the negative effects on the physical development of young football players, forcing training and ignoring their age characteristics has an extremely destructive effect on the mental development of children. The article analyzes the possibilities and advantages of pedagogical means of regulating motivational factors and the process of forming a number of psychological qualities and abilities of young football players aged 6 to 9 years. Suggested methods of personality formation of young football players. The formation of the sports character of young football players should consist of both team actions and individual characteristics.
 Focusing on raising children begins in the environment that shapes them. The most important component of the formation of a young personality is the psychological aspect. Due to various movements with and without the ball, children can gain game experience. Adapting exercises to the child's needs is a basic condition for preventing traumatic effects and promoting its harmonious development, creating prerequisites for stimulating independent thinking, using the "try to find a solution" principle. The work summarizes data from special literary sources and domestic practical experience, as well as analyzes the key factors that determine the dynamics of training and physical and psychological development of young football players. The mechanisms of the influence of the use of pedagogical tools of a game nature on the process of formation of the motivational, cognitive and psycho- emotional sphere of a child of primary school age playing football are shown.

Effects of cadmium on children and adolescents development (systematic review)

Introduction. Cadmium is widespread in the environment as a result of industrial activity, the use of agrochemicals, smoking. Children and adolescents are an eco-sensitive group of the population, and indicators of their physical and mental development are highly informative indicators of environmental impact. 
 The purpose of the review was to study the effects of cadmium on the physical and mental development in children and adolescents.
 Search and selection of sources. A search was conducted for literature that is freely available using the search engines PubMed, Science Direct and elibrary. The search was carried out by the keywords: “effects of cadmium on the physical and mental development of children”, as well as on their individual indicators. The initial search allowed identifying seven thousand eight hundred sixty one reports, after an independent evaluation by two experts, 24 full-text publications remained. The inclusion criteria were: original data on the effect of cadmium on the development indicators in children and adolescents at any route of its entry into the body, a mathematically proven link between the level of cadmium with development indicators, taking into account the possibility of data bias.
 Results. The analysis of the subject matter and design of publications allowed establishing a limited set of criteria for assessing the physical and mental development (there are no indicators of dental maturity, puberty of boys, speech development, playing activity). Most studies indicate the effect of intrauterine exposure to cadmium on the body weight in newborns. The negative effect of cadmium on intellectual development begins to be determined in the senior preschool and school age and is also found in most studies. Contradictory data were obtained for the remaining indicators. Most researchers have not received data on sex differences when exposed to cadmium.
 Conclusion. Additional comprehensive randomized multicentric studies of the physical and mental development of children under the influence of cadmium, conducted according to a single protocol, are needed.

Parents Perception Towards Education Of Their Children

This study aimed to address a research gap concerning the influence of parental literacy background on their involvement in their children's basic education. The research was conducted in the lower Bagdogra gram Panchayat of Naxalbari block in Darjeeling district. Data was collected from 80 female respondents, comprising both literate and illiterate individuals. Both literate and illiterate parents expressed a positive attitude towards schooling and the importance of education in their children's lives. However, there were notable differences in their perspectives. Literate and illiterate parents generally believed in the fundamental importance of education for a child's mental development, but their opinions varied regarding its effectiveness in fostering all-round development. Both groups agreed on the significance of having an educational degree, with literate parents emphasizing its value in securing better job opportunities, while illiterate parents aspired to provide their children with better opportunities. Concerns were raised by both literate and illiterate parents about the education system's effectiveness in equipping students with practical life skills. The study found a consensus on the positive impact of education on a child's character, values, and overall development among both literate and illiterate parents. While there were variations in opinion, particularly regarding the role of schools in nurturing talents and practical life skills, both groups recognized the fundamental importance of education in shaping children's lives. The study highlighted the significance of education and parental engagement in children's lives, acknowledging the complexity of these beliefs and perceptions. These findings have important implications for educational policy and practice.

Mothers' experiences of emotional abuse from an intimate partner and its associations with children's developmental outcomes at 5 years

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with an increased risk of poorer child development. Existing research has focused on physical abuse with less known about the associations with emotional IPV. ObjectiveTo describe the period prevalence of mother's experiences of emotional IPV during children's preschool years and associations with child mental, physical, social, and cognitive development. MethodsSecondary analysis of control group data (n = 194) from an Australian randomised trial (right@home), which recruited pregnant women experiencing social adversity from antenatal clinics in 2013–14. Women reported emotional abuse (Composite Abuse Scale) at child ages 3–5 years. Measures of child development at 5 years included: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Social Skills Improvement System, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, School Entry Alphabetic and Phonological Awareness Readiness Test, NIH executive function subtests, sleep and health. The prevalence of emotional IPV from 3 to 5 years was estimated. Regression models compared developmental outcomes according to emotional IPV exposure, adjusted for child age, child gender, and maternal education. Missing data were accounted for using multiple imputation. ResultsFrom 3-5 years, emotional IPV was experienced by 57% of women. Emotional IPV exposure was consistently associated with poorer child developmental outcomes. Differences were most apparent for SDQ internalising (mean difference 1.2, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.1) and externalising difficulties (1.2, 95% CI −0.1 to 2.4). ConclusionsEmotional IPV was highly prevalent amongst families experiencing social adversity. Developing acceptable and effective identification processes and interventions that prioritise families experiencing co-occurring social adversities should be a public health priority.

Influence of Early Family Nurturing Environment on Children's Psychological and Emotional Social Development.

A good family environment and rearing mode play important roles in children's physical and psychological growth. This study aims to clarify the specific influence of early family nurturing environment on children's emotional and social development through longitudinal observation to provide theoretical reference for promoting the healthy development of children's bodies and minds. Overall, 1320 parents of children aged 2 to 6 yr old in Xinyang City, Henan Province in 2021, were selected by stratified sampling. The children's physical and mental development, family rearing environment and emotional and social development were investigated by questionnaire. 58.03% family rearing environment is good, 27.95% normal, and 14.02% bad. There were significant differences in positive rates of adaptive ability, social behavior, language, developmental quotient score and emotional sociality among children in different families (all P<0.05). Language/cognition was significantly positively correlated with adaptive ability, social behavior, language and developmental quotient (all P<0.05), and social adjustment/self-care was significantly positively correlated with adaptive ability, social behavior, language and developmental quotient (all P<0.05). Emotional warmth/environmental atmosphere was negatively correlated with implicit behavior and disorder and positively correlated with ability (all P<0.05). Language/cognition was positively correlated with explicit behavior and ability (all P<0.05). Social adjustment/self-care was negatively correlated with explicit behavior and positively correlated with ability (all P<0.05); Neglect/punishment was significantly negatively correlated with explicit behavior, implicit behavior and disorder and significantly positively correlated with ability (all P<0.05). The early family environment affects children's physical, mental, emotional and social development.

Criminal and criminal actions against minors

This abstract conveys the importance of protecting children's rights as part of citizens. Every country in the world must provide adequate care and protection for children. This guidance and protection cover the child's overall physical, mental, and social growth and development. Even though there are cases of children involved in criminal acts, the development and protection of children remain the state's responsibility. In recent years, the media has often raised the issue of juvenile delinquency or crimes committed by children. This attracts public attention because children even become perpetrators of crimes. This research uses secondary data from library materials such as books, laws, literature, and journals. The educational punishment system is one form of the punishment system used today. This system pays more attention to children's rights and obligations and provides treatment to promote better integration of children into society. This treatment is carried out by placing children in care or coaching institutions that provide education job training and spiritual aspects to improve children's morals and spirituality so that mental improvement can be carried out more quickly. The rules for implementing juvenile crimes in Indonesia are regulated in the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHP) and Law Number 3 of 1997 concerning Juvenile Courts. In this way, it can be seen how the child punishment system currently applies in Indonesia.

Multiomics Revealed the Multi-Dimensional Effects of Late Sleep on Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Children in Northwest China.

Background Sleep plays a pivotal role in children's mental and physical development and has been linked to the gut microbiota in animals and adults. However, the characteristics of the gut microbiota and metabolites and the relationship to late bedtimes in children remain unclear. Methods In total, 88 eligible children, aged from 3 to 8 years, were recruited and divided into two groups according to the bedtime collected by designed questionnaires (early, before 22:00: n = 48; late, after 22:00, n = 40). Stools and plasma samples were collected to examine the characteristics of the gut microbiota and metabolites by shotgun metagenomics and metabolomics. Results The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota in children with early bedtime were significantly increased compared with the late ones. Coprococcus, Collinsella, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis were significantly more abundant in children with early bedtime, while Bacteroides and Clostridium sp. CAG-253 were obviously enriched in the late ones. A total of 106 metabolic pathways, including biosynthesis of ribonucleotide, peptidoglycan, and amino acids, and starch degradation were enriched in children with early bedtime, while 42 pathways were abundant in those with late bedtime. Notably, more gut microbial metabolites were observed in children with late bedtime, which included aldehyde, ketones, esters, amino acids and their metabolites, benzene and substituted derivatives, bile acids, heterocyclic compounds, nucleotide and metabolites, organic acid and derivatives, sugars and acyl carnitine. In plasma, fatty amides, lipids, amino acids, metabolites, hormones, and related compounds were enriched in children with early bedtime, while bile acids were higher in children with late bedtime. Association studies revealed that the different microbial species were correlated with metabolites from gut microbiota and plasma. Conclusions The results of our study revealed that the gut microbiota diversity and richness, and metabolic pathways were significantly extensive in children with early bedtime, whereas the gut microbial metabolites were significantly decreased, which might be related to gut microbial differences.

К ПРОБЛЕМЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ СРЕДСТВ НА ПСИХИКУ ОБУЧАЮЩЕГОСЯ РЕБЁНКА

In the era of digital transformation of society and education, the mental development of a child goes differently than before. The purpose of the article is to briefly analyse the state of study of the problem of the influence of digital media on the cognitive development of pre-school and primary school age students. The analysis of foreign and domestic studies revealed the insufficiency, fragmentation and inconsistency of available data on the peculiarities of the cognitive sphere of students using digital media. Noting the impossibility of cancelling the sociocultural evolution of the psyche in the new digital environment, the prospect of systemic research into the child's mental development in the conditions of mixed reality on the basis of the working concept of digital socialisation is emphasised. The analysis of studies of the possible positive and negative effects of school education under conditions of digitalisation has shown the increasing cognitive inefficiency of this largely spontaneous practice. Since the digit itself is not capable of transforming information into knowledge and action, the transition to a properly organised digital education system requires the substantiation of the theory of effective digital learning and the development of digital educational products that offer new ways of organising students' attention, memory, thinking and communication, adequate to their age and psychological characteristics.

Cultural and educational environment in the development of younger schoolchildren's creative potential.

The purpose of our research is to study the creative potential as psychological capacities for younger schoolchildren's creative self-realization and self-development in various conditions of the educational environment. The methodological basis of this work is Vygotsky's conceptual provisions according to which the human psyche is culturally determined, and a sociocultural environment is considered to be the main source and condition for the child's mental development. The study involved younger schoolchildren (a total of 160 children from the 4th grade aged 9-10 years, n = 160, M = 9.5 years, SD = 2.6; 49% boys) from schools in Kazan (Russian Federation). We used a test of verbal creativity when studying the creative potential of younger schoolchildren, the proposed method is a Russian-language adapted version of the RAT test (remote association test) by Mednik. The Johnson Creativity Inventory was used as adapted by Tunick. To study the level of communicative control, the test "Diagnostics of communicative control" by Schneider was used. To assess the personal qualities of younger students, we used a modified version of the children's personality questionnaire intended for 8-12 year-old children and developed by Cattell and Koan. As a result of a comprehensive expert assessment, we identified four types of schools with different severity degrees of essential characteristics of educational environments: serene, dogmatic, career and creative. According to the analysis of variance (one-dimensional one-factor ANOVA), the younger schoolchildren's creative potential was revealed in the context of the educational environment variability and the contingency of the educational environment parameters with the personal characteristics of the children. We have empirically confirmed that in a creative educational environment with cultural content based on ethno-cultural values, patterns and norms, the development of the child is actively supported largely, with the disclosure of his creative potential. Younger schoolchildren are characterized by greater subjective agency and the capability to gain unique achievements in educational and cognitive activity.

Massage therapy training for daycare caregivers to stimulate children’s mental health in Dago Area

Massage therapy has been shown to be highly effective in preventing premature birth, encouraging infant growth, increasing attention, reducing depression and aggression, treating motor problems, and reducing discomfort. Daycare is a partner institution for parents in childcare that synergizes in observing the growth and development of children's mental health. This community service program aims to increase knowledge about children's mental health, and training and mentoring regarding relaxing massage for children. This service activity plan consists of the preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages. The methods to be carried out vary from giving interactive materials, demonstrations, discussions, and practice. This activity was attended by 24 caregivers, 2 presenters, and 6 community service teams. This program was attended by caregivers aged between 22-50 years, with most of them being married, the highest education level being high school (75%), and the most work experience under 3 years (67%). Based on the results of the evaluation, all participants benefited from the knowledge training on child mental development and the application of baby massage in carrying out their daily duties as caregivers at daycare centers. Training childcare practitioners' metallization and helping them achieve attitude-based metallization is effective in helping them better understand child development.

Exploring Mental Health and Development in Refugee Children Through Systematic Play Assessment.

To evaluate a standardized play observation as a measure of young children's mental health and development in a clinical and refugee population. We conducted individual play observations with 70 refugee children aged 3- to 6-years and compared them to a clinical group of 111 age-matched children regarding their level of play development, social interaction during play, traumatic re-enactments, and emotionless-cold play. Additionally, we assessed children's mental health, social-emotional development and markers of adversity by parent and educator report as well as their IQ-test scores and learning performance and related these factors to the play variables. Play variables were significantly correlated with IQ-test scores (r = 0.184, p = 0.037), learning performance (r = 0.208, p = 0.010) and vocabulary (r = 0.208, p = 0.021) in the comparison group and with social-emotional development in educator report (r = 0.368, p = 0.011), time spent in Germany (r = 0.342, p < 0.001) and parental distress (r = -0.292, p = 0.034) in the refugee group. Children with more parent-reported adverse experiences showed less social-interactive play in the overall sample (r = -0.178, p = 0.011). Our child-centered approach to standardized play observation augments information obtained from parent and educator reports and can provide valuable insights in subgroups where other commonly used tests are not available or applicable.