A new study from Georgia College and State University (GCSU) suggests a negative impact on children’s emotions because of mask-wearing during the pandemic.

“The emotional recognition is worse significantly worse than pre-pandemic,” said Dr. Tsu Ming Chiang, Psychology Professor at GCSU. “These kids don’t know how to express their emotions; they tend to keep it to themselves and cry more.”

Working with about 30 kids ranging from 3-to-5 years-old over a semester-long period, psychology students used storybooks, videos, songs and even puppet shows to convey emotion and teach empathy.

“It’s so important to be able to understand your own emotions and to be able to relate with others just from a human being standpoint,” GCSU psychology major Carson Beasley of Woodstock told WSB’s Jonathan O’Brien.

From his experience with the kids distinguishing between sad and scared was the most difficult for kids.

According to Chiang, teachers also reported more emotional issues with students.

“It’s not too late to coach the kids, and intervention helps,” Chiang explained.

They plan to continue the study and do more research in the fall.

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