The Attention Training Technique improves Children's ability to delay gratification: A controlled comparison with progressive relaxation.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Cluster randomized controlled trial comparing an intervention group to active and inactive control groups
PubMed 29471185 · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2018.02.003
What was done
School classes of 101 children aged 5-6 years were randomly allocated to one of three arms: Wells' Attention Training Technique (ATT), an active control using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), or a no-intervention group. Delay of gratification (Marshmallow Test) and verbal inhibition (Day/Night Task) were assessed at pre- and post-intervention.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. It states that after controlling for covariates, children receiving ATT delayed gratification significantly longer than those in the PMR or no-intervention groups. ATT also significantly improved verbal inhibition compared to no intervention, whereas PMR did not.
Why it matters
The study suggests that structured metacognitive attention training can directly enhance self-regulatory capacity and executive function in early childhood.
Limits
Randomization was conducted at the class level rather than individually, introducing potential cluster-level confounding. The sample was modest (101 participants across three arms), no quantitative values or effect sizes are provided in the abstract, and durability beyond immediate post-intervention testing was not assessed.