A study on the cognitive flexibility of students with learning disabilities in primary schools

Children often need to adjust their thoughts and behaviors to the changing circumstances of their daily lives. To accomplish this, they need cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is one of the executive functions. The present study aimed to investigate the cognitive flexibility of students with learning disabilities in primary schools. The study focused on a population of 80 students with learning disabilities in the elementary schools of Pars Abad city. The research sample comprised 40 students who were randomly selected. The Cognitive Flexibility Scale tool was developed based on previous studies and reformed in line with the goals of the current study and its new environment. A two-way analysis of variance test was used to analyze the research questions. Research findings indicate that attributing the stressful social and academic conditions of students with learning disabilities can enhance their ability to adapt to the challenges that impact their academic and social future, thereby increasing their level of cognitive flexibility. The results also indicate statistically significant differences in cognitive flexibility levels due to gender.