cognitive, and emotional development

106966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.106966

A child’s long-term social, cognitive, and emotional development are greatly influenced by their early experiences. Due to their parents’ limited ability to invest in their development, children growing up in low- and middle-income communities or countries are at danger of not reaching their developmental potential. Low cognitive and/or socio-emotional development affects approximately 80.8 million children between the ages 3-4, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest rate of this condition (29.4 million)

Joan Christodoulou, a postdoctoral fellow from Palo Alto University USA, looked at the township community characteristics that predicted high rates of child resilience. The data were from 1,238 South African pregnant women recruited from households in neighbourhoods identified in three of the major Cape Town townships

(Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Gugulethu). Mothers and their children were followed up at six visits over a fiveyear period. Children who consistently met international standards for development, cognitive ability, and behaviour were classified as resilient.

The results showed that the proportion of resilient children varied considerably by neighbourhood (from 9.5% to 27%). The neighbourhoods with a high prevalence of resilient children had more mothers who were older, and in a formal home sheltering three or more people with access to electricity and water. Resilient children in these neighbourhoods had greater food security and were less likely to have mothers who were low in mood.

The authors conclude that, even though their assessment of resilience is multi-dimensional, that resilience can fluctuate over time and how these children deal with school remains to be seen.