The Effect of Mindfulness Training on Reducing Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness training on reducing impulsive behaviors in children aged 8–12 years diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest control group design with 30 children clinically diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were selected via purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=15 each). Impulsivity was assessed using a 19-item child-focused impulsivity scale with validated psychometric properties. The experimental group received 8 structured weekly mindfulness sessions tailored for children, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests along with Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). ANCOVA results showed a statistically significant difference in posttest impulsivity scores between the groups after controlling for pretest scores (F(1,42) = 4.879, p = 0.033, η² = 0.104). The experimental group exhibited a notable decrease in impulsivity scores post-intervention, whereas the control group showed no significant change. Mindfulness training significantly reduced impulsive behaviors in children with ADHD. This non-pharmacological intervention may serve as a practical and effective approach to enhancing self-regulation and behavioral functioning in clinical and educational settings