Storytime science: could Emotion-Focused reading boost Kids' emotional skills?

NCT ID NCT07666802

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether reading picturebooks with a focus on emotions helps 4- to 5-year-olds better manage their feelings compared to standard reading. Two hundred families in London will be randomly assigned to either an emotion-focused reading programme or a standard dialogic reading programme for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in children's emotion regulation, thinking skills, and brain activity using questionnaires, tasks, and EEG.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Emotion-focused shared picturebook reading programme

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way for parents to help young children develop better emotional skills at home.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage behavioural study, not a medical treatment. Results may show no difference between the two reading methods, and benefits may vary by family.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emotional Regulation Self-Control

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Greenwich

    London, SE10 9LS, United Kingdom

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••