The Effect of Mindfulness-based Intervention on Executive Functions (Sustained Attention, Processing Speed, Response Inhibition and Working Memory) in Children with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based intervention on selective attention, processing speed and working memory of children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder.

The research design was quasi-experimental. The study population included all 10- to 7-year-old male students with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder in Qom in 1398. Using the available sampling method from among ADHD children referred to pediatricians and psychiatrists in Qom, 30 people were selected. And were randomly assigned to two equal groups (experimental and control). Raven test and SNAP-IV test were performed and children with ADHD criteria as well as IQ above 90 were selected. Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance.

In this study, the components of executive functions in the experimental and control groups were examined and the hypothesis was designed in accordance with the research topic. To test them, after confirming the assumptions, the statistical test of covariance analysis was used. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of data distribution. According to the obtained significance levels, each of the research variables is greater than 0.05.

The results indicate that mindfulness-based intervention promotes sustained attention, processing speed, response inhibition and working memory of children in the experimental group. Therefore, performing mindfulness-based exercises as a suitable treatment strategy, free of side effects, to improve the executive functions of children with attention / hyperactivity seems to be necessary.