Mentalization in Children with Learning Disorders and Those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This study sought to determine the difference between mentalization in children with learning disorders and those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Our study employed a descriptive causal-comparative research design. Its statistical population consisted of all six-grade students with ADHD and learning disorders in the 13th district of Tehran in 2020; 90 children with ADHD and 90 with learning disorders were selected via a convenience sampling technique. The Mentalization Questionnaire (Brown & Ryan, 2003) was used as the data collection instrument. ANOVA was employed for data analysis using SPSS(v.26) software.

The results showed a difference between the two groups in terms of mentalization ability; children with learning disorders had greater levels of mentalization than those with ADHD (P<0.001).

Based on our research findings, we recommended more comprehensive studies to assess integration of the Islamic and psychological concepts in the field of mentalization.