The Effectiveness of Drama Therapy Based on Mentalization on Sustained Attention of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The purpose of this research was the effectiveness of mentalization-based drama therapy on the sustained attention of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population of the research included all students aged 9 to 11 years old with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Zanjan city in 2023. The sample size includes 30 subjects (15 subject in the experimental group and 15 subject in the control group) from the statistical population were selected by purposeful sampling and were placed in two control and experimental groups. For the experimental group, the developed drama-therapy package based on mentalization was implemented, while the control group remained on the waiting list. The research tools included Connors Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Questionnaire (2007) and integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (1995). The results showed that the drama therapy package based on mentalization had a significant effect on improving sustained attention in the post-test and follow-up stages. The findings of this research provide useful information regarding the drama therapy package based on mentalization, and counselors and psychologists can use this intervention to improve sustained attention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.