Improving Emotion Recognition Ability to Support Social Development in Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

"Emotion Recognition Training Program Integrated CASEL-based activities with CBT principles and digital tools to enhance emotional attribution and recognition in primary school children.~The intervention consisted of three structured activities based on the CASEL framework (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), integrated with cognitive-behavioral principles inspired by the model of Albert Ellis. Sessions included interactive use of digital whiteboards and narrative tools (e.g., emotion-themed interactive stories), aimed at improving children's ability to attribute emotions to others and to emotionally evaluate events.~In addition, a neurostimulative component was included, exposing children to visual stimuli with either neutral or fear-inducing emotional valence. Participants were asked to rate the perceived emotional intensity, supporting the development of self-regulation and emotional differentiation."

Control group received no intervention in order to serve as a baseline for comparison, isolating the effects of the emotion recognition training on behavioral and cognitive outcomes.