Features of Psychophysiological Development and Adaptation of Boys and Girls at the Stage of Preparation for School and the Beginning of School Education

Abstract

The article features the analysis of features of physiological adaptation and the rate of physiological development in boys and girls of preparatory kindergarten groups and 1 – 2 grades of grammar school. The analysis points out the differences of neurodynamic indicators, physiological adaptation and the degree of activity of the autonomic nervous system among 6 – 8 year-old boys and girls. It has been found that, regardless of age, boys are characterized by a lower level of development of mental functions, lower balance of processes of excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system, with faster visual-motor response. They are characterized by a higher degree of tension of regulatory mechanisms. Individuals with symptoms of attention deficit and social-psychological deficits are often detected in this group. Girls display neurodynamic indicators that are most optimal for the corresponding age period, a high level of mental functions development; in this group we observed mainly balanced or parasympathetic influence on heart rate and more satisfactory functional state.