How Cognitive Strengths Compensate Weaknesses Related to Specific Learning Difficulties in Fourth-Grade Children

Frontiers in Psychology

Evelyn H. Kroesbergen¹  Tijs Kleemans¹  Marije D. E. Huijsmans² 

[1] Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands;null;

关键词: children;    cognitive skills;    comorbidity;    compensation;    learning difficulties;    mathematics;    reading;    strengths and weaknesses;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.552458

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

The goal of the present study was to investigate whether children’s cognitive strengths can compensate the accompanied weaknesses related to their specific learning difficulties. A Bayesian multigroup mediation SEM analysis in 281 fourth-grade children identified a cognitive compensatory mechanism in children with mathematical learning difficulties (n = 36): Children with weak number sense, but strong rapid naming performed slightly better on mathematics compared to peers with weak rapid naming. In contrast, a compensatory mechanism was not identified for children with a comorbid mathematical and reading difficulty (n = 16). One explanation for the latter finding could relate to the lack of ability to compensate, because of the difficulties these children experience in both academic domains. These findings lead to a new direction in research on learning difficulties in mathematics and/or reading by suggesting that children with a learning disability each have a unique profile of interrelated cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Children might compensate with these strengths for their weaknesses, which could lead to (small) learning gains in the affected domain.

【 授权许可】

CC BY