AI Insight
Researchers at Florida International University found that children's ability to focus when emotionally upset is a stronger indicator of anxiety and depression symptoms than their focus during calm states. The study, led by psychology Ph.D. candidate Krystyna Keller, validated a self-report survey originally designed for adults for use with children and adolescents to assess mental health through attention regulation patterns.
Why it matters
This research could improve early detection of anxiety and depression in young people by focusing on emotion-related attention difficulties rather than general concentration problems. The validated assessment tool may provide clinicians and educators with a more effective screening method for identifying at-risk youth.
Understand the Science
How a child focuses when upset is far more revealing about their mental health than how they focus when calm, according to FIU psychologists. In a new study published in Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, psychology Ph.D. candidate Krystyna Keller set out to validate the use of a self-report survey originally designed for adults to evaluate children and adolescents.
Source: Trouble focusing when upset may signal anxiety and depression symptoms in youth