Self-regulatory Processes Research Articles

Neurophysiological Markers of Regulation Success in Everyday Life in Depression.

Self-regulation often is disrupted in depression and is characterized by negative affect and inflexible parasympathetic responses. Yet, our understanding of brain mechanisms of self-regulatory processes largely has been limited to laboratory contexts. Measuring individual differences in self-regulatory processes in everyday life - and their neural correlates - could inform our understanding of depression phenotypes and reveal novel intervention targets that impact everyday functioning. In individuals with remitted major depressive disorder (rMDD) and healthy comparison participants (N=74), we measured two dimensions of regulation success in everyday life - perceived success with regulating affect, and physiological success (parasympathetic augmentation following regulation attempts) - and their neural correlates using an fMRI emotion regulation task. Perceptions of success were weakly associated with physiological success and had partially distinct neural correlates. Perceived success and physiological success in everyday life predicted reduced activity in brain regions involved in emotional salience while reacting to aversive stimuli in the scanner. During reappraisal in the scanner, greater perceived success in everyday life was dimensionally associated with more reappraisal-related activity in regions involved in cognitive control (including dorsolateral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex); in contrast, physiological success predicted enhanced downregulation of salience network activity (amygdala, insula). Results suggest linking psychophysiology with behavior in everyday life can provide a window into dissociable dimensions of self-regulatory functioning. Integrating ambulatory and brain-based metrics may elucidate self-regulatory phenotypes with distinct neurophysiological mechanisms and targets for intervention to impact functioning in daily life.

Психологические предикторы девиантного поведения несовершеннолетних. Часть 1. Портрет воспитанника СУВУ

<p style="text-align: justify;">This study aims at identifying psychological predictors of deviant behavior of pupils in special educational institutions (hereinafter - SEI). Based on the selected methodological and diagnostic life position of a minor with deviant behavior model, the individual psychological characteristics of adolescents were described, and a personality profile of SEI pupil was compiled. The study involved respondents (N=465) from 15 SEIs located in different regions of the Russian Federation aged 12 to 17 years (M=15.4; SD=1.2), 402 (86.5%) - male. The results obtained, in particular, revealed formed group cohesion; a slight violation of the needs for control and meaningful existence; a tendency to conventional coercion and justification of aggression; an insufficient level of development of self-regulation processes in stressful, difficult life situations. Attention is drawn to a fairly high level of awareness and interconnectedness in the overall structure of individual regulation of adolescents.</p>

Multilingualism in metacognitive and self-regulation research: scoping review advocating for comprehensive representation of multilingual complexity

Metacognition and self-regulation play crucial roles in second language acquisition, but their roles in multilingual (L3+) contexts remain underexplored. This scoping review sought to examine how metacognition and self-regulation manifest in learning third or additional languages, particularly regarding how multilingualism was accounted for in the empirical research surrounding these constructs. Three inclusion criteria were: L3+ participants, variables related to metacognition and/or self-regulation, and empirical/experimental design. Studies on test or technology validations, or nonlanguage domains were omitted. A comprehensive search across three databases yielded 52 studies, which were analyzed to assess their exploration of multilingualism's impact on metacognitive and self-regulatory processes. Findings revealed that while these cognitive strategies are crucial for navigating complex linguistic environments, studies often conflated bilinguals with multilinguals, limiting insights into how varied linguistic repertoires influence metacognition and self-regulation. Future research must better differentiate between these groups and investigate how managing multiple languages fosters unique self-regulatory action in multilingual learners.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING METHOD (SDL) TO ENHANCE SPEAKING SKILL

The efficacy of self-regulated learning in the context of language acquisition has been widely acknowledged. This study demonstrates the impact of self-regulated learning on the enhancement of students' speaking abilities. Within the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), the act of speaking is commonly regarded as a formidable undertaking that necessitates the utilization of various actions, skills, and strategies to attain effective communication. Digital portfolios have a significant impact on language learning as they encompass learners' actions, skills, and strategies in classroom planning. This research investigated the influence of self-regulation processes on students' performance in speaking tasks in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes at Politeknik Penerbangan Jayapura. The primary outcomes that were observed encompassed the phases of anticipation, realization, and reflection in speaking tasks. The findings of the study indicate that individuals who possess self-regulatory skills can effectively communicate when they possess a comprehensive understanding of the task at hand and can regulate their actions accordingly.

Comparative Pacing Profile and Chronometric Performance in Elite Swimmers with Intellectual Impairments and Able-Bodied Athletes.

Pacing strategy is a complex self-regulation process, crucial for optimising sports performance. Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (IIs) face unique challenges due to cognitive limitations that may hinder their ability to pace effectively, impacting chronometric performance. This study analysed the pacing profiles and chronometric performance across 253 event entries by elite swimmers with II, divided into three groups: 100 entries for group II1 (intellectual disability), 85 for group II2 (Down syndrome), and 68 for group II3 (autism spectrum disorder). These results were compared with 112 event entries from athletes without disabilities (AWDs). Data were collected from the 2023 Virtus Global Games and the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, focusing on middle-distance and long-distance events. Performance metrics were assessed using 50 m split times, and within-group variability was evaluated through coefficients of variation. Swimmers with IIs showed slower overall chronometric performance than AWDs, with the largest deficits observed in II2 athletes. The II1 and II3 groups displayed more comparable results, with the II1 group outperforming the others slightly. Despite the slower times, pacing profiles were largely similar across all groups, following a parabolic pacing strategy, especially for longer distances. Greater within-group variability in both chronometric performance and pacing profiles was observed in II2 and II3 athletes, reflecting higher functional heterogeneity. In contrast, II1 athletes, and even more so AWDs, exhibited more consistent performance and pacing across all events. While swimmers with II recorded slower times, their pacing strategies resembled those of AWDs, suggesting that cognitive limitations may not significantly impair pacing regulation in swimming. However, the higher variability in II2 and II3 athletes highlights the potential need for revised classification systems to ensure fair competition.

Physiological Function Disturbances and Adaptive Responses in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Under Different Salinity Stresses

The physiological functions of aquatic organisms are closely linked to changes in environmental salinity. High-salinity environments can disrupt energy metabolism, induce inflammation, and negatively impact normal growth and development. However, aquatic organisms possess self-regulatory mechanisms that can mitigate these impacts to some extent. This study aimed to investigate the adaptive regulatory processes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) exposed to high-salinity environments by evaluating metabolic enzyme activities and levels of inflammatory markers. The increased levels of IL-1β and elevated ACP activity suggested that high-salinity conditions (15 and 30 ppt) induced intestinal inflammation. Concurrently, the elevated activities of SOD and GSH, along with decreased SDH activity, pointed to heightened oxidative stress in the brain and a reduced mitochondrial energy supply. Additionally, the adaptive features of intestinal energy metabolism under high-salinity conditions were evident, with adjustments in HK and PK activities mitigating the effects of suppressed PFK activity. Moreover, elevated lipase (LPS) activity in muscle tissue under salinity stress indicated that fat is mobilized to supply energy for muscle activity without affecting muscle protein. In conclusion, salinity stress triggered inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in Nile tilapia, yet the fish exhibited self-regulatory processes in energy metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the adaptive mechanisms of aquatic organisms in stressful environments.

Self-regulated growth of galaxy sizes along the star-forming main sequence

We present a systematic analysis of the spatially-resolved star formation histories (SFHs) using Hubble Space Telescope imaging data of ∼997, intermediate redshifts 0.5≤z≤2.0 galaxies from GOODS-S field, with stellar mass range 9.8≤logM⋆/M⊙≤11.5. We estimate the SFHs in three spatial regions (central region within the half-mass radii R50s, outskirts between 1−3R50s, and the whole galaxy) using pixel-by-pixel spectral-energy distribution (SED) fitting, assuming exponentially declining tau model in individual pixels. The reconstructed SFHs are then used to derive and compare the physical properties such as specific star-formation rates (sSFRs), mass-weighted ages (t 50), and the half mass-radii to get insights on the interplay between the structure and star-formation in galaxies. The correlation of sSFRs ratio of the centre and outskirts with the distance from the main sequence (MS) indicates that galaxies on the upper envelope of the MS tend to grow outside-in, building up their central regions, while those below the MS grow inside-out, with more active star-formation in the outskirts. The findings suggest a self-regulating process in galaxy size growth when they evolve along the MS. Our observations are consistent with galaxies growing their inner bulge and outer disc regions, where they appear to oscillate about the average MS in cycles of central gas compaction, which leads to bulge growth, and subsequent central depletion possibly due to feedback from the starburst resulting in more star formation towards the outskirts from newly accreted gas.

Food Choice Motives Mediate the Relationship between Delay Discounting and Binge Eating: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach.

Binge eating (BE) is associated with psychological distress, functional impairment, and elevated risk of eating disorder diagnoses, and BE prevalence is increasing. Motivational and self-regulatory processes such as delay discounting may be important influences on BE; however, evidence is inconclusive, and lacks explanation of mechanisms. This study investigated how food choice motives mediate the pathway from delay discounting (DD) to BE symptomatology. Adult participants (N = 391, 80% female, mean age 38.93) completed the Monetary Choice Questionnaire (DD), Food Choice Questionnaire (food choice motives), and Binge Eating Scale online. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse hypothesised partially-mediated pathways from DD to BE via Health, Mood, and Sensory Appeal food choice motives, incorporating participant age, sex, BMI, and Weight Control motives. The best fitting SEM indicated steeper DD was associated with greater BE, but this effect was fully mediated by lesser endorsement of Health motives. Greater endorsement of Mood and Weight Control motives, along with female sex and higher BMI, also accompanied greater BE symptomatology. Counter to hypotheses, Mood and Sensory Appeal did not mediate the relationship between DD and BE. The novel finding that Health motives mediated the effect of DD on BE suggests steeper discounting may hinder the longer-term perspective needed to value the health attributes of food, and thus promote food intake for immediate reinforcement. The significant effects of Weight Control and Mood motives independent of DD suggest support for overvaluation of weight and shape and negative reinforcement mechanisms in the etiology of BE. Our study highlights the influence of food choice motives and DD in BE, and supports the integration of individualised motivational and neurocognitive interventions in eating disorder treatment.

Size Growth on Short Timescales of Star-forming Galaxies: Insights from Size Variation with Rest-frame Wavelength with JADES

We investigate size variation with rest-frame wavelength for star-forming galaxies based on the second James Webb Space Telescope Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey data release. Star-forming galaxies are typically smaller at longer wavelengths from the UV to the near-IR at z < 3.5, especially for more massive galaxies, indicating the inside-out assembly with in situ star formation if ignoring dust attenuation. The size variation with wavelength shows a strong dependence on stellar mass and shows little or no dependence on redshift, specific star formation rate, and galaxy environment. This suggests that the size growth of star-forming galaxies is a self-regulated process primarily governed by stellar mass. We model size as a function of both mass and redshift simultaneously, obtaining Re∝M*0.23(1+z)−1.04 at a wavelength of 0.45 μm, and Re∝M*0.20(1+z)−1.08 at 1.0 μm. Based on this size evolution and the star formation main sequence from the literature, we obtain the locus of typical size growth for individual galaxies of different masses on the mass–size plane. The moving trend of galaxies on the mass–size plane, which indicates the slopes of their locus, strongly correlates with the size ratio between 0.45 μm and 1.0 μm, supporting the idea that the size variation with wavelength provides important information on the size growth of galaxies on short timescales.

The Effects of Using Genre-Based Approach via Miro Platform on English Composition Writing Skills

This study aimed to develop characteristics of the Genre-Based approach (GBA) via the Miro platform and to discover results on using this approach and the Gathering, Processing, Applying, and Self-Regulating (GPAS) process. The study employed experimental research using a true group pretest-posttest control group design with Grade 8 students divided into an experimental and a control group of 38 students per group by using cluster random sampling. The instruments were the lesson plans and the pre-and post-tests on English composition writing skills. The descriptive data analysis used to assess the&amp;nbsp;results of the students&amp;rsquo; English composition writing skills were mean, standard deviation, and Repeated Measures MANOVA. The results from the study revealed that the researcher could develop a characteristic of GBA via the Miro platform for teaching because the statistical analysis results indicated that the experts approved the implementation of the lesson plans in this study using 5 levels of Likert Scale (mean = 4.72). Students who received teaching through the GBA via the Miro platform had significantly higher English composition writing skills than those taught through the GPAS process at the significant level of .05. These results confirm that using GBA via the Miro platform improved the students&amp;rsquo; composition writing skills.

Original actions performed by a beginner attacker modify defensive dispersion in small-sided soccer games

In complex systems, the system’s self-regulation processes can transition between states of equilibrium and disequilibrium, leading to changes in the distribution of players within the playing space. Actions that are surprising, rare, or out of the ordinary tend to be valued for their potential to destabilize the opposing defensive structure, altering player dispersion, and creating fragile spaces for the attack. With advancements in understanding the influence of the environment on players’ affordances, the tactical consequences from individuals’ solutions to various scenarios and their impact on the game context becomes a rich area for investigation. This study compared defensive dispersion in the moments preceding and following original actions in small-sided games. The original actions were obtained using the Creative Behavior Assessment in Team Sports (CBATS) observational matrix. At the same time, defensive dispersion was derived from positional data collected via GPS and processed using dedicated routines in MATLAB to obtain variables such as Stretch Index, Surface Area, Team Width, Team Length, and Individual Player Area. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed for normality, and the General Linear Model with Repeated Measures was used to compare pre-and post-action moments across different action classifications (pass and shot) and game configurations (SSG4v4 − Small, SSG4v4 − Large, SSG5v5 − Small, and SSG5v5 − Large). Differences were found in the Stretch Index, Surface Area, and Team Width variables in SSG4v4 − Small and Surface Area in SSG5v5 − Small (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the original action could attract opponents in small formats of SSG, increasing the contraction of the opposing team and reducing space around the action, with the potential to create new spaces in other areas of the field.

The Use of Virtual Patients to Provide Feedback on Clinical Reasoning: A Systematic Review.

Virtual patients (VPs) are increasingly used in health care professions education to support clinical reasoning (CR) development. However, the extent to which feedback is given across CR components is unknown, and guidance is lacking on how VPs can optimize CR development. This systematic review sought to identify how VPs provide feedback on CR. Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations) were searched in March 2023 using terms (e.g., medical education, virtual patient, case-based learning, computer simulation) adapted from a previous systematic review. All studies that described VP use for developing CR in medical professionals and provided feedback on at least 1 CR component were retrieved. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Narrative synthesis was performed to describe the approaches used to measure and provide feedback on CR. A total of 6,526 results were identified from searches, of which 72 met criteria, but only 35 full-text articles were analyzed because the reporting of interventions in abstracts (n = 37) was insufficient. The most common CR components developed by VPs were leading diagnosis (23 [65.7%]), management or treatment plan (23 [65.7%]), and information gathering (21 [60%]). The CR components were explored by various approaches, from redefined questions to free text and concept maps. Studies describing VP use for giving CR feedback have mainly focused on easy-to-assess CR components, whereas few studies have described VPs designed for assessing CR components, such as problem representation, hypothesis generation, and diagnostic justification. Despite feedback being essential for learning, few VPs provided information on the learner's use of self-regulated learning processes. Educators designing or selecting VPs for CR use must consider the needs of learner groups and how different CR components can be explored and should make the instructional design of VPs explicit in published work.

European Bison – a review of the reproduction problem of the hunting species

Habitat transformation is associated with the degradation of faunal complexes, with the most vulnerable species facing extinction. The analysis of biological indicators of Ukrainian bison subpopulations, their inventory, and habitat studies play an important role in the study of the global population of the species. The ecosystems of the European continent have already been significantly transformed. The possibility of biological self-regulation and natural processes is very limited and likely only within a small part of Europe. It is unlikely that the preservation of a species with such significant habitat requirements, and at the same time so dependent on humans, will be achieved solely through the protection of its habitats, especially given the threats related to the preservation of its genetic diversity.

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of diabetes management and self-regulation in young adults using a continuous glucose monitoring device

Young adults face many pressures as they start being independent and responsible for their own actions and decisions. The use of continuous glucose monitoring has been shown to improve medical outcomes in diabetes management, but the mechanism of these improvements needs further investigation. This study aimed to examine the self-regulatory experiences and behaviours of a group of young adults using continuous glucose monitoring to manage type 1 diabetes. An exploratory qualitative approach was taken, using six virtual semi-structured interviews with young adults living with type 1 diabetes and using continuous glucose monitoring. A thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the gathered data. In this study, three themes demonstrated reciprocal determinism in that the observation of the continuous glucose monitoring results led to changes in the behaviours of the participants. The concepts of feedback and feedforward were also evident in the information provided by continuous glucose monitoring and the adjustment of the participants to achieve their personal blood glucose goals. The results of this study thus support the fact that self-regulation of those living with type 1 diabetes can be improved using continuous glucose monitoring as a tool for observation of blood glucose fluctuations and can, as a result, lead to changes in diabetes management behaviours and health outcomes. Continuous glucose monitoring provides the opportunity to observe the consequences of diabetes management behaviours, which activates the self-regulation processes of feedback and feedforward. This process has the potential to improve diabetes management behaviours in this vulnerable group.

The Effects of Rubrics and Exemplars as Self-regulated Learning Tools on Students’ Development of Evaluative Judgement of Intercultural Competence: An Exploratory Study

This study aimed to explore the effects of a pedagogical intervention involving the combined application of rubrics and exemplars, as Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) support tools, on student&amp;rsquo;s development of the Evaluative Judgement (EJ) of Intercultural Competence (IC). A group of students from the General Required Courses department of a Saudi college participated in a quasi-experimental study involving the administration of an English writing module as part of an intensive English course. Coursework was designed based on Byram&amp;rsquo;s multidimensional IC model, guided by Liddicoat&amp;rsquo;s pathway model for IC development, framed within Panadero &amp;amp; Broadbent&amp;rsquo;s EJ framework, and mapped on Zimmerman&amp;rsquo;s Self-Reflection Phase (SRP) of the self-regulatory process. A mixed-method design was adopted to gain insights on the learning processes the students went through as well as their perceptions of and attitudes towards the learning experience. The results indicated a variety of SRP strategies at work and provided evidence for the positive effects of rubrics and exemplars on the enhancement of students&amp;rsquo; EJ of IC. The results revealed several spheres where SRL, EJ, and IC relate and align to support students&amp;rsquo; development and practice of sustainable skills that allow them to take control of their own learning and adapt in ever-changing environments.

Evaluating risks, monitoring cannabis use, and planning to get home safely: Exploring self-regulation processes associated with cannabis use and driving

Objective Preventing Cannabis-impaired driving involves understanding how users assess risk, monitor their use, and plan to get home safely. While extant research has shown substantial heterogeneity in patterns of cannabis use among different user groups, far less research has examined self-regulation among users. The current study aims to identify sub-groups of individuals who used or have used cannabis based on how they perceive risks, monitor their impairment, and plan to avoid driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) to examine how the different profiles relate to DUIC outcomes. Methods Participants were a Canadian sub-sample in the province of British Columbia who participated in the 2022 International Cannabis Policy study and reported ever using or currently using cannabis (N = 886, Mage = 43.58, SDage = 13.67; 63% female). Risk perception, impairment monitoring, planning ability, DUIC-related behaviors, Cannabis use and related problems were assessed through an online self-reported survey. Results Latent profile analysis identified three groups of self-regulators based on their level of risk perception, monitoring, and plan to avoid DUI. The majority (51%) of participants showed moderate self-regulation with average levels of risk perception, monitoring, and planning. A “highly self-regulated” group (20%) had the highest risk perception, monitoring, and planning. A “low self-regulated” group (29%) had the lowest risk perception, less confidence in monitoring, and lower DUI planning. There were significant differences between the profiles and DUIC outcomes. Cannabis users (including both historical and current users) with high self-regulation were less likely to be passengers of drivers under the influence and more likely to intervene to stop friends from driving while impaired, compared to those with low or moderate self-regulation. However, there were no profile differences in reports of having ever driven under the influence of cannabis. Conclusions Differences in risk perception, monitoring, and planning are associated with self-regulatory abilities. Understanding diverse self-regulation patterns among people who have used cannabis can help identify and mitigate risky behaviors, including DUI.

On the right track: decoding self-regulated learning in young students’ log data with the digital train track task

Assessing self-regulated learning (SRL)—the interplay between monitoring and control behavior—remains challenging, particularly in young learners. The unobtrusive assessment with log data to investigate SRL offers a promising method to deepen the understanding of the SRL process of young students. Despite the significant potential of log data to enhance the measurement of SRL, recent research encounters new challenges of operationalization, transparency, generalizability, validity, and reproducibility. This study introduces an innovative instrument, the digital train track task (TTT), for assessing SRL with log data in young learners, focusing on monitoring and controlling behavior. Log data of 85 primary school students (second to fifth grades, aged 7–13 years) performing one simple and one complex TTT were analyzed. As a novel method, finite state machines (FSM) were applied to extract SRL-related actions and states from the log data. To evaluate and explore the potential of the digital TTT, monitoring, and control behavior during simple and complex tasks were compared, employing frequency-based statistical analysis and transition graphs. Additionally, the log data were multimethodically linked with think-aloud data. The results revealed differences in monitoring and control behavior during the simple and the complex tasks regarding frequency, duration, and transitions between the SRL-related states. Extracted SRL-related states from log data and corresponding think-aloud data showed significant correlations. Adding to the growing body of log data research, this study offers an innovative task to validly assess the metacognitive self-regulation processes of young learners during problem-solving. The transparent, theory-based operationalization of SRL in this study, taking into account recent demands for SRL log data research, allows better reproducibility and transfer and adds to the generalizability of findings from SRL log data research.

A mixed-methods investigation into complex components of multilingual international students' self-regulated learning in English as a foreign language context: A social cognitive perspective

Self-regulated learning serves as a fundamental framework for understanding the cognitive, motivational, and emotional dimensions of learning. Recently, a growing body of studies on such cognitive processes appears in multilingual populations. Applying a mixed-methods approach, this study examined the key components of the self-regulated learning process among 233 multilingual international students in China, specifically within the context of English as a Foreign Language learning. Qualitative data was analyzed through Pearson's correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and path analysis, while semi-structured interviews were conducted to further confirm the results of the qualitative data analysis. 15 students were purposefully selected through purposive sampling to participate in follow-up interviews. Within the framework of social cognitive theory, the findings revealed that metacognition, motivation, self-efficacy, and feedback loops are the primary components of self-regulated learning. Additionally, path analysis confirmed that the four factors are positive predictors of self-regulated learning proficiency of multilingual international students in China. The interview outcomes further validated the integral role of these primary components in the self-regulated learning process within the context of multilingual study. This study underscores the significance of incorporating translanguaging backgrounds into teaching strategies and language policy. Findings may offer some insights for multilingual international students, language teachers, and language policymakers in the field of Chinese language instruction.

Collective and Individual Self-Regulation Processes During a Project-Based Learning Process

In higher education, students are faced with group tasks, such as project-based learning. However, research on self-regulated learning has paid little attention to the details of collective self-regulation. In this framework, the objective of this research was to determine the impact of the feeling of collective efficacy on the performance of groups of students involved in self-regulation processes in project-based learning. The quantitative approach was adopted. The type of descriptive research and field design. The 45 volunteer participants of an education program at the National University of the Altiplano completed a questionnaire that explored different aspects of self-regulation: Use of human resources, setting objectives, collective efficacy, expression of disagreements, and quality of interactions. The questionnaire comprised 20 items rated on a Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree), and included two open-ended questions aimed at understanding strategies for managing doubts and maintaining interest int the project. The results show that the feeling of collective efficiency is a significant predictor of the final grade in the project and that the group’s ability to define the objectives precisely and prioritize them contributes significantly to the development of the feeling of collective efficacy. The conclusion exposes the pedagogical implications of these results, emphasizing the essential role of tutors in fostering an environment conducive to collective efficacy by guiding students in defining, prioritizing objectives, and managing doubts effectively. This guidance is crucial, especially in the early phases of project implementation, to establish a dynamic of collective efficacy and develop individual interest in the project.

Playful enactive interventions can enhance agency, empathy and social integration in children

Theoretical frameworkPlay is vital for children's healthy development and growth. According to the enactive framework, play can foster socialization, self-regulation and cognitive processing. When children become active participants in pleasurable activities, they engage with their environment in diverse ways, engendering new meanings and transforming existing ones. Previous studies have shown that social integration and agency can be cultivated from an early age. Purpose or motivationIn the current study we review prior research, taking into consideration the enactive approach. From this perspective, we revalue play as a particularly fruitful activity, which enables embodied interactions between peers, contributing to participatory sense-making processes. This study examines the impact of playful enactive interventions on transformative agency and social integration. MethodsThe study involved 161 children aged 6–8 years, who attended four schools in Bariloche, Argentina. We conducted enactive interventions which propitiated playful affective instances through non-competitive play and self-awareness practices. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to evaluate changes in social integration and agency in children. ResultsThe children showed changes both in the social domain - including peer relationships, empathy and classroom climate - and in their capacity for agency and emotional regulation. In addition, most children reported that they continued to use the self-awareness practices in stressful situations outside of school. ConclusionThe present study reveals that playful enactive interventions can foster agency and empathy during childhood. Embodied experiences within playful contexts may have enabled participatory sense-making processes that contributed to the recreation of peer relationships.