The effectiveness of Executive Function training on attention control and Self-Control of Children with anxiety disorders

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the training of Executive Function on attention control and Self-Control in Children with anxiety disorders. This study method was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group. The population of this study included ۹ to ۱۱-year-old girls with symptoms of anxiety disorders in Tehran during the year ۲۰۲۱-۲۲. The sample consisted of ۳۰ students (۱۵ participants for each group) who were selected by cluster random sampling method Among the children who received high scores (anxiety score of a standard deviation above average) in the pre-test of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, then the experimental group received training Executive Function (Fischer et al, ۲۰۰۵) for eight ۹۰-minute sessions once a week in group form, meanwhile the control group did not receive any training. The instrument used in this study was the Attention Control Scale (Derry berry & Reed, ۲۰۰۲) and the Self-Control Questionnaire (Kendall & Wilcox, ۱۹۷۹). Data were analyzed using a repeated-measurements design. The results indicated that Executive Function training on attention control and Self-Control (P < ۰.۰۱) caused an increase in their amount. These findings highlight the importance of cognitive-based interventions in reducing the negative effects of anxiety. Therefore, Executive Function training can be considered an effective approach to promote mental health in children with anxiety disorders.

کلیدواژه ها:

anxiety disorders ، attention control ، Executive Function ، Self-Control