Más allá del tablero: cómo el ajedrez mejora la flexibilidad cognitiva, la gestión emocional y el éxito académico de los estudiantes universitarios españoles

This study evaluated the impact of chess on the personal, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of university students in Spain, highlighting its benefits in enhancing skills such as memory, critical thinking, and decision-making, as well as promoting values like respect and perseverance. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected through surveys and observations from a randomized sample of university students. Key variables assessed included competitiveness, humility, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to manage fear of failure. The results revealed a positive correlation between chess practice and the development of cognitive and socio-emotional skills. Students who regularly practiced chess demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, healthy competitiveness, and their ability to cope with fear of failure. Furthermore, these students exhibited greater adaptability and academic resilience compared to their non-playing peers. In conclusion, chess significantly contributes to the holistic development of university students, both academically and emotionally. It is therefore recommended to integrate chess transversally into university curricula as an effective tool for enhancing cognitive skills, fostering values, and promoting social competencies, thereby creating a more positive and resilient academic environment.