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29-12-2023 | Anxiety

Mental health among children with and without reading difficulties

Authors: Miao Li, Wei Zhao, Mengmeng Liu, Lele Zhang, Gen Li

Published in: Annals of Dyslexia | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between mental health, i.e., depression and anxiety, and reading difficulties (RD) in Chinese elementary school children. Participants were 1535 grades 3, 4, and 5 students from three elementary schools in Xi’an, China. Children with and without RD were compared to their depression and anxiety. Additionally, children’s self-ratings, parents’ ratings, and teachers’ ratings of depression and anxiety were compared to better understand mental health issues of Chinese children with RD. The findings showed that Chinese children with RD experienced more depression but not anxiety compared to their typically developing peers across all three grade levels. Reports from all three informants consistently reflected that children with RD experienced more depression. However, some inconsistencies were found between self-reported levels of depression and anxiety and the observations made by parents and teachers. Children reported experiencing more depression than their parents and teachers observed but less anxiety than their parents reported. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the links between RD and mental health and the need for appropriate intervention programs to help children with RD cope with the mental health challenges.

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Title: Mental health among children with and without reading difficulties
Authors: Miao Li
Wei Zhao
Mengmeng Liu
Lele Zhang
Gen Li
Publication date: 29-12-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Published in: Annals of Dyslexia / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0736-9387
Electronic ISSN: 1934-7243
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-023-00296-2

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