The Impact of Inhibition Training on Symptoms of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder and Social Skills

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop a response inhibition training program and investigate its effectiveness on reducing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and improving social skills in children with ADHD. The research design was quasi-experimental, with comparisons across pre-test, post-test, and control groups. Sixteen students with ADHD who ranged in age from 7 to 11 years old (Mage=8.67 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received different types of response inhibition training over 12 sessions, while the control group received no training. When the data were analyzed with Multivariate Analysis of Covariance, receipt of the inhibition training problem, relative to control, was associated with a reduction in ADHD symptoms and an improvement in social skills. In this instance, response inhibition training was demonstrated as effective for children with ADHD.