====== Emotional Regulation & Mental Health ======

[[start|« Back to Boys and Recess Overview]]

**Boys are often socialized to act out stress rather than verbalize it**
  * Child Mind Institute (March 2025): [[https://childmind.org/article/how-sensory-processing-issues-affect-kids-in-school/|How Sensory Processing & Stress Affect Kids in School]]

**A pressure-release valve for frustration and anxiety**
  * PMC (Dec 2024): [[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11660033/|Timing of Outdoor Play and Reduced Emotional Dysregulation]]
  * ResearchGate (2025): [[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391783618_Recess-Time_Physical_Activity_in_Schools_A_Systematic_Review_of_Multidimensional_Outcomes_and_Implementation_Strategies|Recess as an Emotional 'Reset' Opportunity]]

**A natural mood regulator through play and movement**
  * NIH Study (2025): [[https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12390025/|Perspectives on Physical Activity: Movement Improving Mood]]

**Reduced risk of emotional shutdown or classroom explosions**
  * Dept of Education (2024/2025 PDF): [[https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/students/supporting-child-student-social-emotional-behavioral-mental-health.pdf|Supporting Student Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Needs]]