Social risk and neuropsychological maturity in preschool children of the community of Pedregal in David, province of Chiriqui

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to analyze how social risk affects the neuropsychological development of preschool children from the friendly community of Pedregal, David. It was proposed as specific objectives to identify social risk situations and neuropsychological maturation profile characteristics. A mixed approach was used, with a transversal study design that did not involve experimentation. The study population consisted of 150 children. The group of participants was formed by 55 children, 55% boys and 45% girls who were enrolled in the preschool and kindergarten at Pedregal Bilingual School. The statistical sampling was by stratification, indicators and social risk situations showed levels considered as alerts, in which participants face additional challenges to their environment; on the other hand, the neuropsychological maturation profile demonstrated that the developmental quotient of the majority of those evaluated was average, in addition, it could be established that verbal development rates showed low scores, facing greater difficulties at a neuropsychological level in areas such as language. In response to the hypothesis, it is observed a correlation of -0.027 with a bilateral significance of 0.870, there is no evidence to reject the null hypothesis. It is concluded that there is no association between social risk and neuropsychological maturity in the participants. It is highlighted the importance of recognizing social factors, psychological and educational aspects, through a proposal, such as a psychotherapeutic program in order to foster the development of psychological maturity in children.