Showing 19 results for Attention
Leili Khalili, Behrooz Dolatshahi, Mehdi Farhodi, Abbas Pourshahbaz, Zahra Niknam,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (4-2013)
Abstract
Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of CNS and cognitive impairment is a common concomitant of it that affects various aspects of cognitive functioning like attention and memory as well as attentional complex tasks such as selective attention. The present study investigated the effectiveness of attention rehabilitation on decreasing selective attention deficits in patients with MS.
Methods: The current study was conducted with a single-subject design, A/B model, and follow-up. Six patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) were selected as study sample. Attention rehabilitation program comprised flash cards and pen-paper. Selective attention deficits were studied by Stroop test. Results were analyzed with visual analysis, percentage of
zero data (PZD), and Cohen’s d effect size.
Results: Of 6 subjects, 4 showed high effectiveness in attention rehabilitation and improved after treatment phase compared to the baseline phase, and maintained this condition during the follow-up period. The other two subjects had questionable results regarding attention rehabilitation.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that attention rehabilitation can decrease selective attention deficit in patients with MS.
Maryam Shahryari, Seyed Mehdi Hosseinifard, Kazem Nematolahzade Mahani,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Objective: According to the significant role of mothers’ personality traits and their training styles on the genesis of children’s initial personality and destructive manners, present research compares early maladaptive schemas of mothers of children with Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, mothers of children with Oppositional defiant disorder, and mothers of normal children.
Methods: The sample included ninety mothers divided into three groups: mothers of children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mothers of children with Oppositional defiant disorder, and mothers of normal children through purposeful sampling method from patients who went to a specialized center for treatment of children's behavioral disorders. Structured clinical interview for DSM-IV and Young-schema questionnaire (short-form) were used to collect data.
Results: Results showed that the mothers of attention-deficit hyperactivity children gained the highest grade in the sub-fields of Emotional inhibition, Social isolation/Alienation, Defectiveness/Shame, Defectiveness/Shame, Unrelenting standards/hyper-criticalness, Entitlement/Grandiosity, and Insufficient self/control/self-discipline. Mothers of Oppositional defiant children gained the highest grade in the sub-fields of Mistrust/Abuse, Dependence/ Incompetence, Enmeshment/Undeveloped self. Also, the mothers of normal children gained the highest grade in the sub-field of self-sacrifice (P&le0.01).
Conclusion: Therefore, putting into consideration the difference among the schemas of mothers of children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mothers of children with Oppositional defiant disorder, and mothers of normal children, the present study can be useful to evaluate and arrange therapeutic purposes of children with the aforementioned disorders.
Zahra Babaei, Ebrahim Rezaei Dogaheh, Behrooz Dolatshahi, Abbas Pourshahbaz,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (7-2014)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of negative and positive affectivity, selffocused attention, and attentional control in social anxiety symptoms.
Methods: A sample of 382 students of Isfahan University was selected and the participants completed Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Attentional Control Scale (ACS), and Focus of Attention Questionnaire (FAQ). Data were analyzed by Pearson correlatiosn and multiple regression analysis. Statistical analysis were performed using the SPSS 20.
Results: The results indicated that there were positive significant relationships between negative affectivity, self-focused attention and social anxiety symptoms. Also findings showed negative and significant relationships between positive affectivity, attentional control and social anxiety symptoms. In regression analysis, negative and positive affectivity, self-focused attention, and attentional control were predictors of social anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion: In this study, our findings suggested that negative and positive affectivity, self-focused attention, and attentional control have important role in the development and maintenance of social anxiety symptoms.
Elnaz Ensafi, Reza Rostami, Yousef Moghadas Tabrizi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (4-2015)
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy on event-related potential (EPR) at both behavioral and physiological level in children (7-12 years) with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Methods: The current study is a quasi-experimental project whit pre-test and post-test control group. In this study, the subjects (12 patients in the experimental group and 12 patients in the control group) were selected after initial evaluation, according to DSM-IV criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the type of sampling is purposeful. Due to control of intelligence variable, the children with normal range of IQ were selected. Subjects were matched as much as possible with respect to age, IQ, and comorbidity with other disorders. Subjects performed visual continuous performance task VCPT at two time points by two months interval (at the start and end of the program). Analysis of variance with repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA methods were used respectively for the evolution of neurofeedback effects on EPR and behavioral characteristics (omission error, commission error, and reaction time). For statistical processing SPSS software version 21 was used.
Results: No significant differences were observed between experimental and control groups in event-related potentials of both behavioral and physiological level.
Conclusion: Application of neurofeedback is a useful approach in improving performance of patients with ADHD through the normalization of patient’s brain waves, especially in the prefrontal area.
Parvaneh Mohammadkhani, Elham Eskandari, Ali Mehrabi, Mahdi Bagheri,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (7-2015)
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the selective attention hypothesis in a group of Iranian outpatients with depressive disorder.
Methods: Causal-comparative and correlation methods were used to analyze the data. A total of 60 subjects participated in this study. Of them, 31 patients diagnosed with depression were assigned in the depressive group and 29 nondepressed individuals were observed as control (normal) group. Participation in this study was completely voluntary. Participants were screened by the structured clinical interview for the DSM-IV (SCID), answered to Beck depression inventory–II (BDI-II), and took part in the Visual Dot-Probe (VDP) task. The data were analyzed by correlation analysis and t test.
Results: The results showed that the depressed group got higher score in BDI compared to the control group and this difference was statistically significant. But the differences between two groups regarding attention biases were not large enough to be significant.
Conclusion: The following results could be because of the different reasons such as culture. Furthermore, there were several limitations to the current study which are discussed.
Mehdi Mehraban Eshtehardi, Hassan Shams Esfandabad, Peyman Hassani Abharian,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (10-2015)
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to compare prospective and retrospective memory impairment and attention deficit in people suffering from chronic low back pain with those cognitive functions in healthy subjects. Furthermore, this study examines the relation between severity and duration of pain and prospective and retrospective memory impairment and attention deficit.
Methods: The research was a causality-comparative study. Using convenience sampling method, 53 male patients and 53 healthy male individuals were selected. The participants were asked to fill out prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire and pain numeric rating scale (NRS). In addition, a continuous performance test was performed. The study hypotheses were tested using two independent group T-test and the Pearson correlation analysis by SPSS 22 with the significant level of 0.05.
Results: The results showed that there was significant difference between the 2 groups of participants regarding prospective memory, but no significant difference regarding retrospective memory. With respect to hypotheses, significant difference was found between the two groups regarding attention. And finally results of the study did not show any relation between duration
and intensity of pain with impairment in prospective and retrospective memory and attention.
Conclusion: The prospective memory impairment and attention deficits are associated with chronic low back pain. In general, hronic pain is associated with cognitive impairment.
Neda Rastegar, Behrouz Dolatshahi, Ebrahim Rezaee Dogahe,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (4-2016)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of neurofeedback training on improving sustained attention of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods: The research design is quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest and control group. The study population consisted of the veterans with PTSD who were hospitalized in psychiatric wards. Purposeful sampling method was done to select 30 patients in psychiatric hospitals of Sadr, Delaram, and Parsa during spring, summer, and autumn of 2014 by considering their
arrivals and departures. Then, they were randomly assigned into 2 experimental (n=15) and control group (n=15). The neurofeedback training by alpha-theta protocol was administered to the experimental group, but the control group did not receive any neurofeedback training. The sustained attention was measured by continuous performance test (CPT). After that, the data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance.
Results: The results showed that neurofeedback training significantly increased the omission errors (P<0.001, F=17.074), commission errors (P<0.001, F=18.515), and reaction times (P=0.044, F=4.511) in sustained attention and reduced correct detection.
Conclusion: According to the findings, the relation between alpha and theta waves, and based on underlying principles, neurofeedback treatment has achieved acceptable results.
Imanollah Bigdeli, Fatemeh Ghassem Boroujerdi, Farzaneh Haji Zadeh, Zeinab Golchehreh Rahimi, Masoomeh Mihan Dust,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (7-2016)
Abstract
Objective: Suicide rate is unfortunately increasing in recent years and its assessment is a must. Most studies have evaluated different factors like personality, depression, or environment in suicide attempters but cognitive functions have been overlooked in suicide attempters. The current research aimed to evaluate a kind of cognitive function, namely attention in survivors of suicide.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Tehran, Iran in 2015. Two groups of patients one with recent suicide attempts and the other one with no suicide attempt were compared in domains of focus of attention and attention bias. A total of 18 patients participated in each group. Instruments used for this research included questionnaire of focus of attention and simple stroop test software. Correlation of these 2 instruments was compared between groups. Data were analyzed by the independent t-test, ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation.
Results: Mean age of suicide attempters was 29.5 years which was significantly lower than that in the control group and most of them were women. They spent more time in recognizing incongruent stimulus, congruent, and incongruent response. The time that was spent on experiment of incongruent stimulus, congruent, and incongruent response was significantly higher in suicide attempters. In suicide attempters, there was a significant correlation between number of congruent and incongruent errors with focus of attention.
Conclusion: Our results showed that attention as a cognitive function may be impaired in suicide attempters. Thus, it is necessary to recognize cognitive functions of suicide attempters along with other comorbid psychological factors for preventing future suicide attempts and eventually losing precious lives.
Masoud Fazilat-Pour, Latifeh Sharif-Pour, Shahrad Arjmand,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (7-2017)
Abstract
Objective: Cognitive deficits play an important role in differential diagnostics, prognosis and rehabilitation of people with psychological disorders. Attention problems have profound impact on the therapeutic response, risk of relapse, function and quality of life in people with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. This study compared selective attention of people with schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and healthy controls.
Methods: The sample consisted of 16 hospitalized schizophrenics, 16 with major depressive disorder, and 16 matched healthy controls. The Stroop color word task was presented to the participants, and the RTs and error rates in naming the color stimuli were recorded. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and multivariate regressions.
Results: Those in the MDD group and healthy controls showed the highest and the lowest error rates and RT averages, respectively. In addition, the demographic/personal variables were also used to predict the performance measures.
Conclusion: The findings gave support to the notion of morbidity-specific selective attention impairment. The higher levels of interference in the MDD group have been explained in line with the filtration deficit conceptualization
Elham Baghani, Ladan Fata, Mahdiyeh Salehi, Fariba Hasani,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (7-2020)
Abstract
Objective: the aim of the present research was to analyze the predictability of suicide attempts, based on attentional bias in a clinical and non-clinical population.
Methods: 120 participants (77 females and 43 males) were intentionally selected in three diagnostic groups: clinical suicides, clinical non-suicides, and non-clinical ones (40 individuals in each group). They participated in the Suicide Stroop Task as well as the Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation (BSS). The attentional bias parameters, including reaction time and interference time, were computed and the data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance and Discriminant Analysis.
Results: the results obtained from the multivariate analysis revealed that the variables of interference time did not have a significant indication for the three groups of individuals in suicide stroop (P<0.568; F=0.569), positive stroop (P<0.201; F=1.626), and negative stroop (P<0.863; F=0.147). However, in the case of reaction time, there was a significant difference in the values obtained for all the three groups in terms of suicide stroop (P<0.000; F=12.759), positive stroop (P<0.000; F=18.520), negative stroop (P<0.000; F=10.995), and neutral stroop (P<0.000; F=8.288). In addition, the results obtained from the discriminant analysis show that the variables of suicide ideation (0.822), reaction time in positive stroop (0.571), suicide stroop (0.470), negative stroop (0.438), and neutral stroop (0.376) were correspondingly crucial in predicting the behavior of the clinical suicide attempt, clinical non-suicide attempt, and non-clinical groups.
Conclusion: We found that for suicide stroop, the clinical and non-clinical cases did not show a significant difference in terms of the interference effect; however, they differed in terms of reaction time. Therefore, it seems that using emotional stroop, attentional bias towards suicide-related topics is not dependent on the clinical situations, and other parameters, such as scoring methods should be considered. However, there is still a need to conduct more extensive studies.
Nafiseh Tabatabaei, Mohammad Ali Nadi, Ilnaz Sajjadian,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (10-2020)
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effects of the non-computerized training package of Working Memory (WM) and selective attention with Captain’s Log software on the components of WM.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a non-random targeted sampling method, and pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and a control group design. A sample of 150 cases aged 13 to15 years diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) referring to neurology clinics was selected and randomly divided into two case groups (n=15/group) and a control group (n=15). The non-computerized package was performed in 15 one-hour sessions for 4 weeks in the first case group. Besides, the computerized package was provided in 15 sessions (45 minutes each) for 4 weeks in the second case group; however, the control group received no training. All WM components were examined in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up (3 months after post-test) steps in all study groups.
Results: The repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) data indicated a significant difference in the mean scores of the components of WM in the first case group, compared to the second case group and the controls (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The non-computerized package of WM and selective attention were significantly more effective on the WM components, compared to the Captain’s Log computerized package.
Roghayeh Asadi Gandoman, Narges Moein, Khadije Alavi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (1-2021)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to predict cognitive emotion regulation and academic achievement based on symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Methods: The present study has a correlational design. The study population consisted of students at the University of Bojnord, Bojnord City, Iran, in the academic year 2017-18. Of these students, 190 were selected by a convenience sampling method. Adult self-report short-form Conners’ scale and cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire were used for data collection. Academic performance was determined by the grade point average. Multivariate regression analysis was used for analysis.
Results: The results showed that hyperactivity and physical problems could predict self-blame, and hyperactivity can predict other blame and rumination. The variables of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and physical problems were also able to predict the catastrophizing strategy. Among the variables studied, only inattention predicted grade point average change.
Conclusion: Thus, the findings of the study suggest that some components of cognitive emotion regulation and academic performance can be predicted based on symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Saeed Nasiry, Zahra Ameli,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (4-2021)
Abstract
Objective: The negative impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)outbreak on public mental health are enhancing the number of individuals requiring psychotherapy. Besides, anxiety is becoming more frequent than any other mental health issue among individuals. Similar to other anxiety types, coronavirus anxiety is associated with elevated attentional bias. The present study aimed to examine the effects of Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) on attentional bias towards coronavirus-related stimuli, and coronavirus anxiety.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest-follow-up and a control group design. The research participants were 37 adults (aged 18 to 38 y), who were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=18) and control (n=19) groups. The experimental group received ABM, while no intervention was delivered to the controls. Attentional bias and coronavirus disease anxiety were assessed at pretest, posttest, and 2 months follow-up stages using the Dot-Probe Task (DPT) and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). The collected data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s least significant difference in SPSS v. 26.
Results: After receiving online ABM, the study participant’s coronavirus-related attentional bias decreased, leading to a significant reduction in coronavirus anxiety (P<0.05). These significant changes were evident at the posttest and maintained until the follow-up step. However, no significant changes occurred in the control group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The presented ABM could decrease coronavirus anxiety; thus, its online implementation is a suitable approach to treat individuals with this anxiety while observing social distancing.
Saeed Nasiry, Nastaran Nasiry, Mohammad Noori,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (7-2021)
Abstract
Objective: After the COVID-19 outbreak, corona anxiety has become prevalent all over the world. To understand and treat this type of anxiety, researchers have examined its relationship with attentional bias, a phenomenon closely associated with other types of anxiety. The dot-probe task is a common instrument used for the evaluation of attentional bias. However, the psychometric properties of this instrument, when used for the assessment of attentional bias towards corona-related stimuli, are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the COVID-19 dot-probe task to see whether its application in COVID-19 studies is justified.
Methods: A total of 362 Iranian adults completed the COVID-19 dot-probe task and Corona Anxiety Disease Scale (CADS), 146 of whom repeated this procedure after two weeks to provide test-retest data. Split-half reliability, the Cronbach α, intraclass correlation coefficient of test-retest scores, and associations between COVID-19 dot-probe task and CADS were calculated using SPSS v. 26.
Results: The study results indicated that the standard version of the COVID-19 dot-probe task lacks internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity, whereas the response-based version of the instrument promotes all of these psychometric properties to an acceptable level.
Conclusion: COVID-19 dot-probe task is a psychometrically sound instrument for evaluating corona-related attentional bias and investigating its role in the mechanism of corona anxiety, only if the response-based method of computation is used for calculating the measures of attentional bias.
Saeed Nasiry, Mohammad Noori,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (4-2022)
Abstract
Objective: Previous research has shown that attentional bias toward game-related stimuli is a significant factor in the etiology, maintenance, and severity of internet gaming disorder (IGD). Therefore, interventions targeting attentional bias toward game-related stimuli can potentially ameliorate this disorder. The present research aims to examine the effectiveness of online Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) training in reducing game-related attentional bias and the severity of IGD in adolescents.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 33 adolescents with a DSM-5 diagnosis of IGD were sampled and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=17) and a control group (n=16). The experimental group received online ABM, while no intervention was delivered to the control group. Attentional bias and IGD severity in these two groups were measured at pretest and posttest phases and then at 2 months follow-up via a modified Stroop test and internet gaming disorder-20 (IGD-20) questionnaire. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) were implemented to analyze the data using SPSS software, version 26.
Results: Game-related attentional bias and the severity of IGD were significantly decreased in the participants of the experimental group (P<0.05). The reductions were also maintained at the 2-month follow-up, whereas such reductions were not evident in the control group at any stage (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Given our findings, it can be concluded that online ABM can be an auxiliary or standalone treatment for adolescents with IGD; further research is necessary to understand its mechanisms of effect.
Masoumeh Rostami, Saeed Bakhtiarpour, Fariba Hafezi, Farah Naderi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (4-2023)
Abstract
Objective: This research aims to study the effectiveness of verbal self-instruction training on symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and academic procrastination in male teenagers with ADHD.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population included all male teenagers with ADHD in Tabriz City, Iran. A total of 30 male teenagers with ADHD were selected via the purposive sampling method and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The research tools were the child symptom inventory-4 questionnaire and the Solomon and Rothblum academic procrastination scale. Descriptive statistical indices and the analysis of covariance tests were employed for data description and testing of the research hypotheses.
Results: The F ratio of the univariate analysis of covariance for dependent variables showed a significant difference in the variables of academic procrastination and ADHD symptoms between the experimental and the control (P>0.001) group. Accordingly, verbal self-instruction is effective in improving academic procrastination and ADHD.
Conclusion: The results showed that verbal self-instruction training affects symptoms of ADHD and academic procrastination.
Morteza Homayounnia Firouzjah, Mojtaba Dehestani Ardekani, Refail Azadian Dalasm,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Statement of Retraction:
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"This article has been retracted due to plagiarism."
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Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. This study aims to investigate the effect of baseball training on motor and psychological performance and behavioral characteristics of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods: To experiment, the sample group was randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. Fitness and motor test measures, behavioral measures, and neuropsychological tests are performed as a pre-test for both experimental and control groups. Then, the experimental group received baseball training for one month in 12 sessions with an average of 30 minutes, and the control group received no training. After the end of the course, the tests were re-administered on both experimental and control groups. The results of the study show that the mean of the two groups in pre-test is not significantly different; however, in the post-test, a big difference was found between the two experimental and control groups.
Results: Comparing the groups in post-test by subtracting the effect of the pre-test showed a significant difference between the groups (P>0.001), which indicated the effectiveness of exercises and sports activities in reducing behavioral disorders of the experimental group (P>0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the baseball game has a positive impact on all the investigated components. According to the results of the study, to design treatment programs for hyperactive/inattentive children, the use of baseball games in schools and educational centers can be considered. Accordingly, it is suggested that administrators, parents, and trainers in educational centers and educational environments provide sports, such as baseball games so that hyperactive children can benefit the most to strengthen and improve their behavior.
Coresponding author: Mojtaba Dehestani Ardekani, E-mail:
m.dehestani@ardakan.ac.ir
You can also search for this author in: Google scholar
Maryam Ghazaei, Fariba Abbas Zadeh,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objective: Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is an essential psychological and psychiatric construct affecting distinct aspects of a person’s life. This study investigates whether SCT affects the quality of life (QoL) and whether this effect will persist after controlling attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, depression, and anxiety.
Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on college students in Mashhad City, Iran. The participants were 279 students selected by the convenience sampling method from September 2020 to February 2021. The data collection tools included the Barkley adult ADHD rating scale-IV (Barkley, 2011), the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) (Ware & Sherbourne, 1992). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the hypotheses. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 24. The significance level of the research was considered α=0.05.
Results: Correlation results showed that SCT, ADHD symptoms, anxiety, and depression are negatively correlated with the physical and mental dimensions of QoL. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that SCT was negatively associated with the total QoL (F change=4.1, P<0.05) and mental dimensions of QoL (F change=3.8, P<0.05) after controlling anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms.
Conclusion: SCT is associated with low QoL among Iranian college students, and this relationship remains present after controlling ADHD, anxiety, and depression. In addition, the results of this research emphasize the importance of considering QoL in prospective research and SCT intervention.
Zahra Ahmadbeigi, Jalil Babapour Kheireddin, Touraj Hashemi Nosrat Abad,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objective: Recent research has revealed that bilingual and monolingual people differ from each other in various areas, one of which is cognitive ability. This study aims to compare executive functions, selective attention, visual short-term memory, and auditory short-term memory in monolingual (Persian) and bilingual (Azeri Turkish-Persian) children.
Methods: The statistical population of current case-control research included all monolingual and bilingual students (8-11 years old) in Tehran Province, Iran, from 2021 to 2022. Using the convenience sampling method, 56 monolingual primary school students (28 boys and 28 girls) and 56 bilingual primary school students (28 boys and 28 girls) were selected and matched regarding intelligence and socio-economic status. All members of the bilingual group learned their second language before entering elementary school. We used the computerized version of the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), the computerized version of the Stroop color and word test (SCWT), the Kim Karad visual memory test (KKVMT), Wechsler’s digit span test (WDST), and Raven’s colored progressive matrices (RCPM) test. The data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).
Results: The results indicated that bilingual children’s performance in executive functions, short-term auditory memory, and short-term visual memory was significantly higher than monolingual children (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding selective attention (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to our results, bilingualism positively affected cognitive abilities. Moreover, bilingual children performed better in executive functions, visual short-term memory, and auditory short-term memory than monolingual children. However, no bilingualism effect emerged for selective attention.
