Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Play Therapy and Computer-based Working Memory Training on Impulsivity of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Farsan City

Background and Objectives: The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of cognitive play therapy and computer-based working memory training on the impulsivity of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Materials and Methods: This research was applied in terms of purpose and was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest design with follow-up and a control group. The research community consisted of all children aged 7 to 12 years with ADHD in Farsan City in 2023, among whom 30 people were selected as samples. The tools of this research included the Child Symptom Inventory-4 and the Continuous Performance Test. The analysis method of this research was an analysis of variance with a mixed design and Bonferroni post hoc test, which was used to examine the relationships of research variables.

Results: The findings showed that cognitive play therapy and computer-based training of working memory had an effect on the impulsivity of children with ADHD (F=1263, Eta=0.493, P<0.01). However, there was no difference between the effectiveness of cognitive play therapy and computer-based working memory training, and the effect of the course of play therapy and computer-based working memory training is permanent.

Conclusion: Therefore, both interventions can be used to reduce the impulsivity of children with ADHD.