Effect of Executive Functions Skill Training on Cognitive Flexibility and Mindfulness of Students with Low Vision

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 MA. Student of Psychology and Education of People with Special Needs, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Education of People with Special Needs, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22084/j.psychogy.2025.30828.2782

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of executive function skills training on cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of students with low vision.
Methods: The study method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all students with low vision of Alborz province in the academic year of 2023-2024. The research sample included 30 students with low vision who were selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly replaced in a control an experimental group (15 students in each group). The intervention was carried out twice a week in 7 sessions 45 minute for the experimental group, while the control group did not receive this training. The research tools included the Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire of Dennis & Vander Wal (2010) and the Multifaceted Mindfulness Questionnaire of Baer et al. (2006). The study data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance.
Results: The results indicated that executive function skills training had a significant and positive impact on the cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of students with low vision and the effect size of each was 44 and 51% respectively.
Conclusions: Executive function skills training improved cognitive flexibility and mindfulness skills in students with low vision. Therefore, psychologists and teachers can use this intervention to improve cognitive flexibility and mindfulness of these students.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Ahmadvand, Z., Heidarinasab, L., & Shoeiri, M. (2013). Explaining psychological well-being based on mindfulness components. Health Psychology, 1(2), 60-69. https://hpj.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_340.html?lang=en [in Persian]
Ashori, M. (2023). Psychology, Education & Rehabilitation of Blind and Low Vision People. University Jahad-e Publications. https://www.16book.ir/Shop/BookDetail/18528/ [in Persian]
Ashori, M., & Rashidi, A. (2019). Effectiveness of cognitive emotion regulation strategies training on cognitive flexibility in deaf students. Empowering Exceptional Children, 10(2), 250-259. https://doi.org/10.22034/ceciranj.2019.95994 [in Persian]
Bannakiet, P., & Keyuranon, P. (2022). Innovative knowledge management tool of the visually impaired students’ mental health care for teachers, parents and public health personnel. Journal of Educational Issues, 8(2), 373-390. https://doi.org/10.5296/jei.v8i2.20123
Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(1), 27-45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191105283504
Beyrami, M., Kadivar, P., & Arabzadeh, M. (2024). The relationship between executive functions and reinforcement sensitivity theory with mathematical anxiety: The mediating role of mental toughness. Journal of Cognitive Strategies in Learning, 12(22), 187-204. https://doi.org/10.22084/j.psychogy.2024.28507.2637 [in Persian]
Bogataj, Š., & Roelands, B. (2025). The effects of cognitive training on executive function and cognition. Brain Sciences, 15(3), 1-3. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030272
Butterfield, K. M., & Roberts, K. P. (2022). The role of executive function in children’s mindfulness experience. Mindfulness, 13(2), 398-408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01802-6
Caron, V., Barras, A., Van Nispen, R. M. A., & Ruffieux, N. (2023). Teaching social skills to children and adolescents with visual impairments: A systematic review. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 117(2), 128-147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145482X231167150
Corbo, I., Troisi, G., Marselli, G., & Casagrande, M. (2024). The role of cognitive flexibility on higher level executive functions in mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 317. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01807-5
Dennis, J. P., & Vander Wal, J. S. (2010). The cognitive flexibility inventory: Instrument development and estimates of reliability and validity. Cognitive Therapy Research, 3(34), 241-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-009-9276-4
Derikvand, M., Shehni Yailagh, M., & Hajiyakhchali, A. (2023). The effectivenes of cognitive rehabilitation game of executive function and reading skills in students with dyslexia. Journal of Cognitive Strategies in Learning, 11(20), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.22084/j.psychogy.2022.26400.2476 [in Persian]
Farahzadi, N., Ghorban Shiroudi, S., Khalatbari, J., & Zarbakhsh, M. R. (2023). Efficacy of executive functions training on the emotional knowledge and empathy of the children with low self-control. Journal of Modern Psychological Researches, 18(70), 203-212. https://doi.org/10.22034/jmpr.2023.16520 [in Persian]
Fischer, M., Barkley, R. A., Smallish, L., & Fletcher, K. (2005). Executive functioning in hyperactive children as young adults: Attention, inhibition, response perseveration, and the impact of comorbidity. Developmental Neuropsychology, 27(1), 107-133. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326942dn2701_5
Fogel, Y., Rosenblum, S., Hirsh, R., Chevignard, M., & Josman, N. (2020). Daily performance of adolescents with executive function deficits: An empirical study using a complex-cooking task. Occupational Therapy International, 2020, 3051809. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3051809
Ghasemi, H. A., Ebrahimi Ghavam, S., Dortaj, F., & Farrokhi, N. A. (2022). The effectiveness of executive function based parenting education on children cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. Journal of Research in Educational Systems, 16(58), 5-19. https://doi.org/10.22034/jiera.2022.167793 [in Persian]
Hallahan, D. P., Pullen, P. C., & Kauffman, J. M. (2023). Exceptional learners (15th Ed). Pearson Education, Inc. https://www.amazon.com/Exceptional-Learners-Introduction-Special-Education-ebook/dp/B09STKPCL3
Heled, E., Elul, N., Ptito, M., & Chebat, D.-R. (2022). Deductive reasoning and working memory skills in individuals with blindness. Sensors, 22(5), 2062. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22052062
Ibbotson, P. (2023). The development of executive function: Mechanisms of change and functional pressures. Journal of Cognition and Development, 24(2), 172-190. https://doi.org/10.1080/15248372.2022.2160719
Iqbal, K., Ashraf, S., & Kalsoom, F. (2023). Investigating the role of executive functioning in appropriate behavior development of visually impaired school students. Journal of Development and Social Sciences, 4(2), 217-232. https://doi.org/10.47205/jdss.2023(4-II)20
Khodabakhshi-Koolaee, A., Ghadyani, S., & Malekitabar, A. (2024). Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for improving hope and happiness in men with visual impairment. British Journal of Visual Impairment, Online First. https://doi.org/10.1177/02646196241294212
Liu, C., Chen, H., Xu, W., Dai, S., & Lin, S. (2024). The mediating role of cognitive flexibility in home-school co-education and psychological well-being among Chinese vocational college students. Frontiers in psychology, 15, 1422845. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1422845
Martin, M. M., & Rubin, R. B. (1995). A new measure of cognitive flexibility. Psychological Reports, 76(2), 623-626. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1995.76.2.623
Masuku, M. M., Sithole, M. S., & Mthembu, Z. (2023). Executive functions in understanding certain disabilities eithin an African context. Frontiers in Education. 35, 211-245. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1022453
Navarro, M. C., Quiroz Molinares, N., & Mebarak, M. (2022). Psychometric Study of the cognitive flexibility inventory in a Colombian Sample. International Journal of Psychological Research, 15(1), 42-54. https://doi.org/10.21500/20112084.5371
Nejati, V. (2022). Comparison of executive cognitive functions of the brain in blind people and their sighted counterparts. Military Medicine, 12(4), 217-221. https://militarymedj.bmsu.ac.ir/article_1000423.html [in Persian]
Nekouee, N. S., Khademi-Ashkezari, M., & Hashemi, Z. (2022). Development of a package for training executive functions and examining its effectiveness on response inhibition and emotional regulation. Educational Psychology, 18(66), 193-216. https://doi.org/10.22054/jep.2023.63185.3455 [in Persian]
Nuzzi, A., Becco, A., Boschiroli, A., Coletto, A., & Nuzzi, R. (2024). Blindness and visual impairment: quality of life and accessibility in the city of Turin. Frontiers in medicine, 11, 1361631. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1361631
Okolo, G. I., Althobaiti, T., & Ramzan, N. (2024). Assistive systems for visually impaired persons: Challenges and opportunities for navigation assistance. Sensors, 24(11), 3572. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113572
Passarello, N., Lopez, E. T., Gigliotta, O., Turriziani, P., Lucidi, F., & Mandolesi, L. (2025). Can an active lifestyle maintain cognitive efficiency in older adults? A pilot study of the relationship between physical activity and graphic fluency. BMC Psychol, 13, 1-9, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02466-w
Pergantis, P., Bamicha, V., Chaidi, I., & Drigas, A. (2024). Driving under cognitive control: The impact of executive functions in driving. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 15(10), 474. https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15100474
Preissner, C. E., Vilier, L., de Vries, H., & Oenema, A. (2024). Consistency between definitions and measurement of mindfulness in eating and physical activity behavior: A scoping review. Health Psychology Review, 18(3), 574-598. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2024.2310115
Rahaei, A., Taghvaeinia, A., & Moltafet, G. (2022). The effect of educational package based on executive functions on student's cognitive flexibility and working memory. Journal of Modern Psychological Researches, 17(66), 169-178. https://doi.org/10.22034/jmpr.2022.15273 [in Persian]
Razzaghi, S., & Moghtader, L. (2021). Effect of mindfulness training on distress tolerance and alexithymia in mothers with autistic children. Caspian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 7(4), 216-226. https://doi.org/10.32598/CJNS.7.27.6
Reis, D., Hart, A., Krautter, K., Prestele, E., Lehr, D., & Friese, M. (2024). Mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies for psychological detachment: Comparing effectiveness and mechanisms of change. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(4), 258-279. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000381
Rosello, B., Berenguer, C., Raga, J. M., Baixauli, I., & Miranda, A. (2020). Executive functions, effortful control, and emotional lability in adults with ADHD. implications for functional outcomes. Psychiatry Research, 293, 113375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113375
Saheban, F., Amiri, S., Kajbaf, M. B., Abedi, A. (2010). The efficacy of short-term executive functions training on the reduction of symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity of elementary boy students in Esfahan metropolitan area. Advances in Cognitive Sciences, 12(1), 52-58. http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-81-fa.html [in Persian]
Schäfer, J., Reuter, T., Leuchter, M., & Karbach, J. (2024). Executive functions and problem-solving-The contribution of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility to science problem-solving performance in elementary school students. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 244, 105962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105962
Schuman-Olivier, Z., Trombka, M., Lovas, D. A., Brewer, J. A., Vago, D. R., Gawande, R., Dunne, J. P., Lazar, S. W., Loucks, E. B., & Fulwiler, C. (2020). Mindfulness and Behavior Change. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 28(6), 371-394. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000277
Shi, B., Mou, H., Tian, S., Meng, F., & Qiu, F. (2022). Effects of acute exercise on cognitive flexibility in young adults with different levels of aerobic fitness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9106. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159106
Stentzel, U., Grabe, H. J., Schmidt, S., Tomczyk, S., van den Berg, N., & Beyer, A. (2023). Mental health-related telemedicine interventions for pregnant women and new mothers: a systematic literature review. BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 292. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04790-0
Van Dam, N. T., Van Vugt, M. K., Vago, D. R., Schmalzl, L., Saron, C. D., Olendzki, A., Meissner, T., Lazar, S. W., Kerr, C. E., Gorchov, J., Fox, K. C. R., Field, B. A., Britton, W. B., Brefczynski-Lewis, J. A., & Meyer, D. E. (2018). Mind the hype: A critical evaluation and prescriptive agenda for research on mindfulness and meditation. Perspectives on Psychological Science: A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science, 13(1), 36-61. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617709589
Vestberg, T., Lebedev, A. V., Jacobsen, H. B., Lekander, M., Sparding, T., Landén, M., Maurex, L., Ingvar, M., & Petrovic, P. (2024). Cognitive flexibility is associated with sickness resilience. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1253152. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1253152
Yin, Y., & Smith, P. K. (2020). Power and cognitive functioning. Current Opinion in Psychology, 33, 95-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.07.020
Zainal, N. H., & Newman, M. G. (2022). Executive functioning constructs in anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic stress, and related disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(12), 871-880. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01390-9