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The effectiveness of play therapy on emotional stability, response inhibition and working memory in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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Shaghayegh Padiab Boeini1    , Zahra Foroughi Kalderah *1 |
| 1- Department of Psychology, La. C., Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran |
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Abstract: (252 Views) |
Background and Purpose: Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience many difficulties in academic, social, emotional, and cognitive domains. So, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Play Therapy (PT) on emotional stability, response inhibition, and working memory in children diagnosed with ADHD.
Method: The research design was quasi-experimental with a pretest–posttest control group design.
The statistical population consisted of all children aged 9 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD, who attended the Yavarr-e-Roshd Psychological Center in Rasht City during the year 2024. The sample included 30 children drawn from the target population using convenience sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were then randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group (15 children in each group). The experimental group received 12 sessions of PT intervention, each lasting 60 minutes, over two months. In contrast, the control group received the standard training services provided by the psychological center. The research instruments included the latest validated edition of the Personality and Neuropsychological Inventory for Children (PNI; Coolidge, 2002), the Continuous Performance Test (CPT; Rosvold et al., 1965), and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- Fourth Edition (WISC; Wechsler, 2003). Data analysis was conducted using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS-22.
Results: The results showed that PT had a significant effect on the experimental group. Specifically, emotional stability (p<0/001, F= 335/036), response inhibition (p<0/001, F= 402/984), and working memory (p<0/001, F= 211/867) significantly improved in the experimental group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that PT, by enhancing executive functions, emotional self-regulation, and cognitive regulation, represent an effective approach for improving the core deficits of children with ADHD. These interventions can be implemented in clinical and educational settings. |
Article number: 1 |
| Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, children, emotional stability, play therapy, response inhibition, working memory |
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Full-Text [PDF 928 kb]
(165 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/10/31 | Accepted: 2026/03/16 | Published: 2026/04/7
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