When children and youth face academic stress or struggle to perform at their best, finding effective solutions becomes crucial. The question then arises: How can we ensure they receive the optimal tools for success? This is especially important for those who encounter additional barriers, such as learning disabilities, which necessitate extra support.
But what form should this support take? While some prioritize academic outcomes, others might emphasize mental health and overall happiness. It’s important to recognize that academic performance and mental well-being are deeply intertwined; compromising one can negatively impact the other.
A student struggling academically may feel diminished self-worth, while deteriorating mental health can hinder academic achievement. For instance, students with high test anxiety often perform worse than their peers with lower anxiety levels, according to an article in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
To better understand the impact of these techniques, imagine yourself as a 10-year-old in Grade 5, grappling with academic challenges. It’s mid-October, and you’re feeling disheartened due to missed assignments and falling behind. As you sit in class, a wave of negative self-talk—“I’m a failure; I’ll never catch up”—overwhelms you. This mindset hampers your ability to engage with the material and connect with your peers. Your attention drifts as your math teacher begins the lesson.
What is performance-based visualization?
For children and youth facing such obstacles, comprehensive support is essential. Performance-based visualization can play a key role in this support. While approaches may vary, effective visualization generally includes imagining oneself succeeding in a specific environment, promoting relaxation and focusing the mind through imaginative techniques and environmental cues (i.e. a pencil or desk). With a skilled coach or therapist, students can develop a growth mindset, fostering a belief in their potential and possibilities.
Now, let’s revisit the scenario with the addition of performance-based visualization techniques. As a 10-year-old who has recently tried these methods, you find your mood shifting. You recall a session with your visualization therapist, reminding yourself to adopt a realistic and hopeful perspective: “If I make an effort now, I might still turn things around. Once I get going, it won’t be so bad.” With this newfound optimism, you use a cue—a special pencil provided by your therapist—to centre yourself and stay focused. This small change helps you engage more actively in class. Although social issues still linger, you consciously set them aside until recess, allowing you to concentrate better when your math teacher begins to speak. By relaxing your muscles and practicing mental focus, you navigate through distractions, redirecting your attention to positive sensations of well-being and curiosity. This shift enhances your learning experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lesson.
For some children and youth, 50 minutes of one-on-one talk therapy may be sufficient, while others might benefit from additional scientific interventions like visualization to boost focus and emotional balance. If these options are not available at school, consider consulting a local mental health professional to explore how visualization techniques could support your child’s academic and emotional well-being.
