Linking Emotional Nurturance to Cognitive Development in Preschoolers: A National Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between caregiver emotional 
nurturance and cognitive development in 391 preschoolers from GIMSH, Durgapur, India, 
considering socio-economic factors. Age, family structure, and caste significantly influenced 
cognitive outcomes. Children aged 36-48 months and those from joint families exhibited higher 
cognitive scores. Children from disadvantaged castes showed lower cognitive development 
compared to advantaged castes. While emotional nurturance showed a positive trend, it was 
not significantly associated with cognitive development after adjusting for socio-economic 
factors. The study highlights the significant impact of socio-economic disparities on preschool 
cognitive development. Targeted policies addressing these inequities, alongside interventions 
supporting joint family systems and maternal education, are essential for promoting equitable 
cognitive development in rural settings.