An Investigation of Anxiety Levels in Elementary School Students with Learning Disabilities

This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the level of anxiety in elementary school students with learning disabilities and identifying factors related to it. In this cross-sectional-analytical study, 250 students (150 with learning disabilities and 100 without disabilities) from primary schools in Tehran were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Colorado Learning Disability Symptom Checklist (CLDQ). Data analysis was done using independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression. The results showed that students with learning disabilities have a higher level of anxiety than peers without disabilities (p < 0.001). Students with math disorder (dyscalculia) showed a higher level of anxiety than other types of learning disorders (p < 0.05). A positive and significant correlation was observed between age and anxiety level (r = 0.24, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that age, gender (being a girl), type of disorder (math) and severity of learning disorder are significant predictors of anxiety level (R² = 0.24, p < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of paying attention to mental health, especially anxiety, in students with learning disabilities. The findings emphasize the necessity of designing and implementing psychological interventions according to the type of disorder, age and gender of the students. Also, the need for a comprehensive approach in the management of learning disorders that also considers emotional aspects is identified.