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Mental contrasting with implementation intentions enhances self-regulation of goal pursuit in schoolchildren at risk for ADHD

Motivation and Emotion volume 37, pages 134–145 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Self-regulation is an important prerequisite for successful academic achievement, particularly for children who are at risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We taught Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII), a technique that is known to facilitate the self-regulation of goal pursuit, to schoolchildren (sixth- and seventh-graders) both at risk and not at risk for ADHD. Parents rated their children’s level of self-regulation 2 weeks after the intervention. Children at risk and not at risk benefited from MCII more than from a learning style intervention only and the benefits of MCII were particularly strong for children at risk for ADHD. The results have implications with respect to supporting children’s self-regulation in their everyday school lives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF), Center for Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA), Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Mertonstr. 17, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany

    Caterina Gawrilow

  2. University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Katrin Morgenroth, Regina Schultz & Gabriele Oettingen

  3. New York University, New York, NY, USA

    Gabriele Oettingen & Peter M. Gollwitzer

  4. University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany

    Peter M. Gollwitzer

Authors
  1. Caterina Gawrilow
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  2. Katrin Morgenroth
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  3. Regina Schultz
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  4. Gabriele Oettingen
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  5. Peter M. Gollwitzer
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Correspondence to Caterina Gawrilow.

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Gawrilow, C., Morgenroth, K., Schultz, R. et al. Mental contrasting with implementation intentions enhances self-regulation of goal pursuit in schoolchildren at risk for ADHD. Motiv Emot 37, 134–145 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-012-9288-3

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