ERIC Number: ED627288
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2689-0208
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Attention Training Improves the Self-Reported Focus and Emotional Regulation of High School Students
Alissa J. Mrazek; Michael D. Mrazek; Chelsea S. Brown; Sana S. Karimi; Rosie R. Ji; Joshua R. Ortega; Andrew Maul; Peter C. Carr; Alex M. Delegard; Arianna C. Kirk; Jonathan W. Schooler
Grantee Submission
Previous research points to digital attention training as a potential remedy for the growing levels of distraction and emotional distress that adolescents experience. However, no studies with a comparison group have been conducted in high school settings to assess the feasibility and efficacy of digital attention training. Using a two-group, pretest/posttest design, this study examined the effect of an online course called Finding Focus. Across three U.S. high schools, N = 197, classrooms were assigned to either continue with school- as-usual or to complete 2.5 hr of attention training over the course of 22 days. At pretest, data collection via online surveys showed that 77% of students reported focusing less often during class than they believed they ideally should. Compared to those in the control condition, students in the intervention condition reported at posttest adopting a stronger growth mindset regarding their ability to focus (Cohen's d = 0.42) and greater confidence that they knew how to train that ability (d = 0.89). At posttest, those in the intervention condition also self-reported less mind-wandering during class (d = 0.31) and daily life (d = 0.42), as well as higher classroom focus (d = 0.29). The intervention also led to improvements in perceived emotional regulation (d = 0.37). Collectively, these results suggest that digital interventions may be a promising and scalable avenue for improving adolescents' attention and emotional well-being. [This is the online version of an article published in "Technology, Mind, and Behavior."]
Descriptors: Attention Control, Intervention, Comparative Analysis, Teaching Methods, Emotional Disturbances, High School Students, Online Courses, Course Descriptions, Student Attitudes, Metacognition, Well Being, Self Efficacy, Homework, Measures (Individuals), Learning Management Systems, Outcomes of Education
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California (Santa Barbara); California; Washington
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A110277
Data File: URL: https://osf.io/rfq2v/
Author Affiliations: N/A