Leiden University Student Repository

Haneveld, Sanne (2023)

Learning potential of refugee children: Effects of trauma and cognitive flexibility

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

The current study aims to investigate the relation between trauma, cognitive flexibility and potential for analogical reasoning among Syrian refugee children between 9 and 18 years old, residing no longer than three years in the Netherlands. The sample included 33 children who were recruited among Dutch schools, using a non-probability sampling technique based on non-random criteria. A computerised dynamic test of analogical reasoning was conducted, utilizing a pre-test-training-post-test design, in which children received a graduated prompts training or practice tasks in between pre-test and post-test. Furthermore, the CPSS was conducted to screen PTSD symptoms and assess the severity and the computerised cue context reversal task was conducted to measure cognitive flexibility. It was investigated whether trained children with high PTSD symptoms would show a higher progression from pre-test to post-test than untrained children, whether severity of PTSD symptoms was related to the...Show moreThe current study aims to investigate the relation between trauma, cognitive flexibility and potential for analogical reasoning among Syrian refugee children between 9 and 18 years old, residing no longer than three years in the Netherlands. The sample included 33 children who were recruited among Dutch schools, using a non-probability sampling technique based on non-random criteria. A computerised dynamic test of analogical reasoning was conducted, utilizing a pre-test-training-post-test design, in which children received a graduated prompts training or practice tasks in between pre-test and post-test. Furthermore, the CPSS was conducted to screen PTSD symptoms and assess the severity and the computerised cue context reversal task was conducted to measure cognitive flexibility. It was investigated whether trained children with high PTSD symptoms would show a higher progression from pre-test to post-test than untrained children, whether severity of PTSD symptoms was related to the dynamic test score and if the level of cognitive flexibility could predict PTSD severity and instructional needs. The results indicated an overall improvement for trained and untrained children from pre-test to post-test and a slightly higher progression for trained children. Suggesting that refugee children, who experience PTSD symptoms, seem to have the ability to learn and excel but possibly depend on instructions adapted to their needs to be able to unfold their potential. In addition, it was found that increased cognitive flexibility indicates increased severity of PTSD. Suggesting that refugee children, who experience PTSD symptoms, are possibly able to compensate for deficits in cognitive flexibility which enables them to learn.Show less

Refugees, PTSD, Dynamic Testing, Analogical Reasoning, Cognitive Flexibility

Author

Haneveld, Sanne

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

School Psychology

Supervisors

Vogelaar, B.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en