ERIC Number: EJ1367784
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1941-1243
EISSN: EISSN-1941-1251
The Correlation between Retained Primitive Reflexes and Scholastic Performance among Early Elementary Students
Feldhacker, Diana R.; Cosgrove, Reilly; Feiten, Ben; Schmidt, Kayleigh; Stewart, Marissa
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools & Early Intervention, v15 n3 p288-301 2022
Aims: The purpose of this study was to understand the frequency of reflex retention as well as the correlation between primitive reflex activity and scholastic performance. This quantitative correlational study involved 24 kindergartners and 29 first-graders (31 males and 22 females), aged 5-7 years, who were typically developing. Researchers screened for seven primitive reflexes. The Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities was administered per regular scholastic testing procedures. Frequency, descriptive, group mean difference, and correlational analyses were performed. Results found that 100% of the participants had at least one active reflex, with the most common retained reflexes being STNR, ATNR R, and ATNR L. Overall, males demonstrated a higher prevalence of the majority of reflexes when compared to females though this was statistically significant for ATNR R only. Analyses found statistically significant and moderately strong correlations between ATNR retention and poorer performance in multiple areas of scholastic performance among males. Mixed and inconsistent results were found among females and by grade. The results support previous research findings and point toward a need to consider primitive reflex retention as a contributing factor when providing therapy services to support academic and scholastic performances. However, ongoing inconsistencies in the available research point to a need for further research to guide therapists in making evidence-based decisions.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Psychomotor Skills, Academic Achievement, Correlation, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Cognitive Ability, Gender Differences
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Grade 1
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A