Kids Who Read For Pleasure Grow into Better-Adjusted Teens
According to a recent study, although young children may find electronic devices intriguing, traditional reading has been found to contribute to their improved social and emotional adjustment during their middle school years.
A recent study conducted on over 10,000 U.S. tweens has revealed that those who started reading for pleasure at an early age tend to exhibit various positive outcomes. These children achieved higher scores in tests assessing skills like memory and speech development, displayed fewer behavioral issues and symptoms of depression, and showed advantages in certain aspects of brain structure. However, the study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine on June 28, does not establish a causal relationship between early reading and these benefits.
Caitlin Canfield
According to Caitlin Canfield, a developmental psychologist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, it is challenging to separate the effects of children’s reading habits from other factors in their lives, such as their relationship with parents and school environment.
Nevertheless, the study does demonstrate an association, and since promoting reading is beneficial, it provides more reasons to encourage children to read.
The study’s findings align with previous research indicating that children’s reading is linked not only to improved test scores but also to less loneliness and higher self-esteem. Additionally, traditional printed books may offer greater advantages compared to e-books, as evidence suggests that children acquire more knowledge and derive more enjoyment from reading printed materials.
Canfield highlighted the interesting aspect of the study, which involved brain imaging data in addition to test results and parental reports. The researchers found that differences in brain structure partially accounted for the connection between early reading and better academic performance and mental well-being.
Children aged 9 to 13
The study involved over 10,000 children aged 9 to 13 as part of a long-term investigation into brain development and child health. Parents provided information on their child’s daily activities, including their engagement in recreational reading. The study found that slightly over half of the children were classified as “early” readers, having enjoyed reading for pleasure for three to ten years. The remaining 48% either did not engage in reading for fun or had only recently started.
Overall, the study revealed that early readers achieved higher scores on standardized tests assessing memory, speech, and verbal information processing. According to parental reports, they also exhibited fewer behavioral issues such as aggression and showed fewer signs of depression.
When analyzing the MRI brain scans of the children, the researchers discovered some indicators that connected the various findings. Early readers generally exhibited greater tissue volume in brain regions associated with reading-related processes, attention, and behavior. These differences partially explained the benefits associated with early reading.
Barbara Sahakian,
Co-author Barbara Sahakian, a professor at the University of Cambridge, emphasized that reading goes beyond being a pleasurable experience. It is widely recognized to inspire critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and stress reduction. Moreover, the study provided significant evidence linking reading to crucial developmental factors in children, such as improved cognition, mental health, and brain structure, which lay the foundation for future learning and well-being.
The study also highlighted other noteworthy patterns among early readers. They spent less time using screens, including televisions, tablets, and phones, and they had more sleep compared to their peers. These habits may further contribute to the higher test scores and improved mental well-being observed among early readers, according to Caitlin Canfield.
Canfield stressed the importance of reading, even in a world dominated by electronic devices. She encouraged parents to allow their children to take the lead, selecting books and turning the pages. As children grow older, Canfield mentioned that it is acceptable to let them read comic books or graphic novels, as the goal is to spark their interest in reading rather than focusing solely on literary classics.
Read the original article on Phys.
Read more: Online Reading and It´s Benefits.
