Investigate the effectiveness of the executive functions training program on Sluggish Cognitive Tempo

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is used to describe a particular type of attention deficit disorder, concentration and slowness in information processing. The aim of this study was to develop a program of executive functions and investigate its effect on the performance of students with SCT.

The research method is semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test with control group. The designed training package consisted of 14 sessions in which 4 skills (working memory, inhibition, flexibility and attention training) were taught. The statistical population in cluded 8-10year old students from Tabriz, of whom 30 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: experimental (15) and control (15). The SCT questionnaire was completed by the parents of both groups. After the pre-test, the experimental group was trained for 14 sessions. The post-test was performed again and the pre-test and post-test data were analyzed using covariance analysis.

The obtained data showed significant difference between the two groups in the variables of the post-test variable of SCT after adjusting for the effect of the pre-test score (P<01).

The research findings suggest that by improving the executive functions, the symptoms of SCT disorder can be decreased.