Whispers of Attention

Data set for: 'Whispers of attention: Piloting a classroom intervention exploring the use of ASMR to support attentional issues associated with ADHD traits in kindergarten students in the United Arab Emirates'.

During the kindergarten years (4-6 years) children often exhibit attentional control challenges similar to those observed in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) has shown promise in enhancing self-regulation and attentional focus in adults. This study aimed to explore the potential of viewing ASMR videos as an intervention to support attentional issues associated with higher levels of ADHD trait possession in kindergarten students in the United Arab Emirates. Thirty-eight participants (aged ~5.5 years) were divided into ASMR (n=20) or Cartoon (n=18) viewing groups. Over four weeks, each group incorporated either a 5-minute ASMR video or Cartoon episode into their daily school routine. The ADHD RS-IV Preschool version rating scale was employed to assess subclinical ADHD-related traits. The impact of the intervention was assessed via pre- and post-intervention scores on the Attentional Control Scale for Children (ACS-C) and behavioural measures from a Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Repeated measure ANOVAs and correlations produced mixed results. Teacher rating on the ACS-C indicated improvement in attentional control post-intervention for the ASMR group only. ADHD-trait scores were positively related to improvement in attention control regardless of group. The SART reported increased hit rates and faster reaction time post-intervention for both groups but were rendered non-significant when age, gender, and ADHD scores were included as covariates. Despite limitations including a small sample size and brief intervention period, this study lays groundwork for advancing research on ASMR as a potential to support attentional issues associated with ADHD-trait possession in young learners.