Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus, Liana S. Magaliff, Bradley L. Schlaggar
{"title":"Neurobiological Evidence for the Benefit of Interactive Parent–Child Storytelling: Supporting Early Reading Exposure Policies","authors":"Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus, Liana S. Magaliff, Bradley L. Schlaggar","doi":"10.1177/23727322231217461","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231217461","url":null,"abstract":"The American Association of Pediatrics recommends reading to young children from birth as a method of exposing children to language and literacy as early as possible. This article describes the known neurobiological support for this recommendation—also addressing the differential effects of parental versus stranger reading as well as other factors, that is, pathological conditions, that may influence the contributions of the recommended early reading interactions. Finally, the possible effects of screen exposure on parent–child interaction around the book will be discussed to inform new possible policies.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2023-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139218542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sara LoTemplio, Amy S. McDonnell, Nalini Nadkarni, Sarah Walker, Carlos Andres Gallegos-Riofrío, Emily E. Scott, Joanna E. Bettmann, David Rojas-Rueda, Jamie Dahl, Linda Powers Tomasso, Joshua J. Lawler, Deana Davalos, David L. Strayer
{"title":"Healthy by Nature: Policy Practices Aimed at Maximizing the Human Behavioral Health Benefits of Nature Contact","authors":"Sara LoTemplio, Amy S. McDonnell, Nalini Nadkarni, Sarah Walker, Carlos Andres Gallegos-Riofrío, Emily E. Scott, Joanna E. Bettmann, David Rojas-Rueda, Jamie Dahl, Linda Powers Tomasso, Joshua J. Lawler, Deana Davalos, David L. Strayer","doi":"10.1177/23727322231197578","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231197578","url":null,"abstract":"Research suggests that spending time in nature is associated with numerous human behavioral health benefits, including improved executive functioning abilities, enhanced recovery from stressful situations, better mental health, and better educational outcomes. Greener neighborhoods also tend to have positive population-level health outcomes. Although promising, much of this research has focused primarily on selective populations and fails to account for cultural differences in how “nature” is conceptualized. Therefore, challenges may arise as policymakers aim to implement nature-based policies in their communities, given the immense cultural diversity of the United States alone. Given this ever-present challenge in behavioral sciences, policy recommendations aim both to maximize benefits of nature contact and to employ a flexible equity lens that allow for differences according to community need.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136093225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aaron R. Seitz, Allison Sekuler, Barbara Dosher, Beverly A. Wright, Chang-Bing Huang, C. Shawn Green, Christopher C. Pack, Dov Sagi, Dennis Levi, Duje Tadin, Elizabeth Quinlan, Fang Jiang, Gabriel J. Diaz, Geoffrey Ghose, Jozsef Fiser, Karen Banai, Kristina Visscher, Krystel Huxlin, Ladan Shams, Lorella Battelli, Marisa Carrasco, Michael Herzog, Michael Webster, Miguel Eckstein, Nicholas B. Turk-Browne, Nitzan Censor, Peter De Weerd, Rufin Vogels, Shaul Hochstein, Takeo Watanabe, Yuka Sasaki, Uri Polat, Zhong-Lin Lu, Zoe Kourtzi
{"title":"Perceptual Learning: Policy Insights From Basic Research to Real-World Applications","authors":"Aaron R. Seitz, Allison Sekuler, Barbara Dosher, Beverly A. Wright, Chang-Bing Huang, C. Shawn Green, Christopher C. Pack, Dov Sagi, Dennis Levi, Duje Tadin, Elizabeth Quinlan, Fang Jiang, Gabriel J. Diaz, Geoffrey Ghose, Jozsef Fiser, Karen Banai, Kristina Visscher, Krystel Huxlin, Ladan Shams, Lorella Battelli, Marisa Carrasco, Michael Herzog, Michael Webster, Miguel Eckstein, Nicholas B. Turk-Browne, Nitzan Censor, Peter De Weerd, Rufin Vogels, Shaul Hochstein, Takeo Watanabe, Yuka Sasaki, Uri Polat, Zhong-Lin Lu, Zoe Kourtzi","doi":"10.1177/23727322231195268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231195268","url":null,"abstract":"Perceptual learning is the process by which experience alters how incoming sensory information is processed by the brain to give rise to behavior—it is critical for how humans educate children, train experts, treat diseases, and promote health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Knowledge of perceptual learning requires basic and applied research in humans and nonhuman animal models, which informs strategic targets for advancing applications. Commercial products to induce perceptual learning are proliferating rapidly with limited regulation (e.g., for rehabilitation), while at the same time basic science is increasingly restricted by changing regulations (such as new granting-agency definitions of clinical trials). Realizing the full potential of perceptual learning requires balancing basic and translational science to advance new knowledge, while serving and protecting consumers. Reforms can promote open, accessible, and representative research, and the translation of this research to applications across different sectors of society.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136093226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda Lueck, Karen Harpster, Elizabeth Hartmann, Helen St Clair Tracy, Monika Jones, Richard Legge, Barry Kran, John Ravenscroft, Corinna M. Bauer
{"title":"Toward Removing Barriers in the Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Care of Individuals With Cerebral Visual Impairments","authors":"Amanda Lueck, Karen Harpster, Elizabeth Hartmann, Helen St Clair Tracy, Monika Jones, Richard Legge, Barry Kran, John Ravenscroft, Corinna M. Bauer","doi":"10.1177/23727322231195213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231195213","url":null,"abstract":"Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a leading cause of pediatric visual impairment worldwide. Despite the ramifications on multiple developmental domains and quality of life factors, substantial barriers remain for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and education of this growing population of children and adults. At the root is a lack of consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria of CVI and a narrow ocular/acuity-based classification of visual impairment. This article covers four main issues that need to be urgently addressed to make strides toward removing current barriers. These challenges highlight the need for policy change at multiple levels to help ensure that individuals with CVI will have access to appropriate (re)habilitation and education services regardless of their acuity or visual function. Suggested solutions include the implementation of a globally accepted definition of CVI and increased multidisciplinary training programs. These will support international efforts to develop and implement quantitative interdisciplinary assessment methods, identify meaningful and effective intervention approaches, and monitor long-term outcomes for those with CVI. Additionally, sensitive and specific markers can be identified for differentiating CVI from other related developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder. Ultimately, these proposed changes will lead toward improved quality of life for individuals with CVI and their caregivers.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136093227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sylvain Laborde, Stefan Ackermann, Uirassu Borges, Martina D'Agostini, Manon Giraudier, Maša Iskra, Emma Mosley, Cristina Ottaviani, Caterina Salvotti, Maximilian Schmaußer, Christoph Szeska, Ilse Van Diest, Carlos Ventura-Bort, Laura Voigt, Julia Wendt, Mathias Weymar
{"title":"Leveraging Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability as an Actionable, Noninvasive Biomarker for Self-Regulation: Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation","authors":"Sylvain Laborde, Stefan Ackermann, Uirassu Borges, Martina D'Agostini, Manon Giraudier, Maša Iskra, Emma Mosley, Cristina Ottaviani, Caterina Salvotti, Maximilian Schmaußer, Christoph Szeska, Ilse Van Diest, Carlos Ventura-Bort, Laura Voigt, Julia Wendt, Mathias Weymar","doi":"10.1177/23727322231196789","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231196789","url":null,"abstract":"This contribution highlights the significance of using vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a general indicator of adaptation, as an actionable biomarker to assess and enhance self-regulation abilities in individuals and organizations. The paper reviews the state-of-the-art on vmHRV and introduces various techniques to enhance vmHRV, including slow-paced breathing, the diving reflex, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The recommendations for policymaking are based on recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the implementation of these techniques in diverse settings, such as clinical, organizational, and educational contexts. The discussion emphasizes the efficacy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of vmHRV assessments and offers practical tools for individuals and organizations through a three-part framework—assessment, intervention, and evaluation—ultimately fostering self-regulation abilities at both individual and societal levels.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136093376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth Brondolo, Amandeep Kaur, Rebecca Seavey, Melissa Flores
{"title":"Anti-Racism Efforts in Healthcare: A Selective Review From a Social Cognitive Perspective","authors":"Elizabeth Brondolo, Amandeep Kaur, Rebecca Seavey, Melissa Flores","doi":"10.1177/23727322231193963","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231193963","url":null,"abstract":"Health effects of structural racism occur on cultural and institutional levels and potentiate racism on an interpersonal level. Consequently, efforts to mitigate the health effects of racism may require intervention on all levels. The effectiveness of these approaches may depend partly on the degree to which they address the underlying patterns of social cognition, shaping social norms and influencing thoughts, feelings, and expectations about oneself, one's relationships with others, and interactions with the healthcare system. This paper aims to evaluate the current approaches to addressing structural racism (via racism and health statements and training programs in diversity, equity, and inclusion or cultural competence). These interventions work to shift social cognition, and consequently, shape social behavior in the healthcare context. Our goal is to identify ways to maximize the potential of these approaches to address social cognition to guide efforts to achieve a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136160831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dejan Draschkow, Nicola C Anderson, Erwan David, Nathan Gauge, Alan Kingstone, Levi Kumle, Xavier Laurent, Anna C Nobre, Sally Shiels, Melissa L-H Võ
{"title":"Using XR (Extended Reality) for Behavioral, Clinical, and Learning Sciences Requires Updates in Infrastructure and Funding.","authors":"Dejan Draschkow, Nicola C Anderson, Erwan David, Nathan Gauge, Alan Kingstone, Levi Kumle, Xavier Laurent, Anna C Nobre, Sally Shiels, Melissa L-H Võ","doi":"10.1177/23727322231196305","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23727322231196305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extended reality (XR, including augmented and virtual reality) creates a powerful intersection between information technology and cognitive, clinical, and education sciences. XR technology has long captured the public imagination, and its development is the focus of major technology companies. This article demonstrates the potential of XR to (1) deliver behavioral insights, (2) transform clinical treatments, and (3) improve learning and education. However, without appropriate policy, funding, and infrastructural investment, many research institutions will struggle to keep pace with the advances and opportunities of XR. To realize the full potential of XR for basic and translational research, funding should incentivize (1) appropriate training, (2) open software solutions, and (3) collaborations between complementary academic and industry partners. Bolstering the XR research infrastructure with the right investments and incentives is vital for delivering on the potential for transformative discoveries, innovations, and applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10602770/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71415176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recommended Changes to Standard of Care for Monitoring of Cortically Blind Fields","authors":"Hanna E. Willis, Matthew R. Cavanaugh","doi":"10.1177/23727322231196563","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231196563","url":null,"abstract":"Global incidence of stroke has risen 70% in the last 30 years, affecting approximately 25% of adults throughout the course of their lives. Up to 60% of stroke survivors will suffer visual impairments, which significantly reduce quality of life and independence. Despite the high prevalence, patients are hugely underserved by the medical and research communities. Clinical care is variable throughout the United States and United Kingdom, with only 57% of patients receiving visual field assessments and 61% stating their need for support has not been fully met. Additionally, unlike stroke survivors with motor or language deficits, those with vision loss are rarely offered visual rehabilitation. This is despite recent research into the efficacy of visual training and the propensity for the visual deficit to worsen in the absence of an intervention. This article reviews common gaps in patient care and proposes policy changes to increase awareness of the condition, foster clinical and scientific advances in treatment, and enhance patient outcomes.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136160217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Conducting Electroencephalography With Black Individuals: Barriers, Recommendations, and Impact on Generalizability","authors":"Lisa Brown, David Rollock, Dan Foti","doi":"10.1177/23727322231197739","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231197739","url":null,"abstract":"Electroencephalography (EEG) is a critical tool for neuroscience research on brain functioning, as well as clinical applications in neurological and psychiatric illnesses. Anti-Black racism is a substantial societal problem that affects the validity of EEG assessments, thereby undermining efforts in research and in medical practice. There are several barriers present in the process of recording EEG with Black individuals. This includes the physical qualities of Black hair; as well as the cultural and historical significance of Black hair, the features of Black hairstyles, and the discomfort that many Black individuals feel if their hair is touched. The potential impact of these barriers on the application of EEG is considerable, including concerns of individual discomfort, lack of generalizability, and misdiagnosis. Recommendations are proposed here to combat these barriers, including individual researchers who utilize EEG methods, funding agencies that support EEG research, and journal editors who publish EEG findings.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136160443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research on Gene–Environment Interplay Over Time in Diverse Populations to Inform Public Health Initiatives","authors":"Kit K. Elam","doi":"10.1177/23727322231194459","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231194459","url":null,"abstract":"Differences in individual genetic predisposition are associated with adaptive and maladaptive behavior. Also, the interplay between genetic predisposition and one's social and contextual environments can work together to influence behavior. This gene–environment interplay can change across development and vary across different racial and ethnic populations. Genetically informed developmental research in diverse populations can enhance understanding of the etiology, risk, and prevention of public health issues. Advancing and translating this research can help identify social and contextual risk factors, as well as protective mechanisms, during specific developmental periods and across diverse populations. This approach can inform public health strategies in promoting health behaviors.","PeriodicalId":52185,"journal":{"name":"Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136160617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}