The Effect of Chess Training and Well-Being Workshops on Vulnerable Children: A Dual Assessment of Cognitive and Emotional Growth

This study followed the evolution of the cognitive and psychological performance of a group of 45 subjects from three localities (Romanesti, Dranceni, and Târgu Frumos) during an intervention program carried out for six months. The programme included chess activities and workshops to improve well-being, with the aim of analysing significant changes at the level of five parameters: chess test, chess rating, chess relative value, self-esteem, and perceived stress. The results obtained highlight statistically significant improvements in all five variables studied, indicating an increase in cognitive performance and chess skills, as well as a decrease in the level of perceived stress, along with a strengthening of self-esteem. The comparative analysis between the initial and final values suggests the effectiveness of the activities implemented within this intervention plan, highlighting the positive impact of chess and well-being-centered approaches on the cognitive and psychological development of the participants. These results support the integration of chess and wellness-oriented workshops into educational and personal development programs, with the potential to improve cognitive performance and reduce stress among young people.