Skip to main content

Attention Training

  • Reference work entry
Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology
  • 565 Accesses

Synonyms

Attention process training, direct attention training, process training

Definition

Attention training is based on the premise that attentional abilities can be improved by activating particular aspects of attention through a stimulus drill approach. The repeated stimulation of attentional systems via graded attention exercises is hypothesized to facilitate changes in attentional functioning. Most attention training programs assume that aspects of cognition can be isolated and discretely targeted with training exercises.

Current Knowledge

The aspects of attention that are trained vary widely among interventions and frequently depend upon a theoretical model of attention. Attention models, regardless of their operational framework, appear to include functions related to sustaining attention over time (vigilance), capacity for information, shifting attention, speed of processing, and screening out distractions. Some attention efficacy studies evaluate attention interventions that...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 1,350.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 1,299.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References and Readings

  • Butler, R. W., Copeland, D. R., Fairclough, D. L., Mulhern, R. K., Katz, E. R., Kazak, A. E. et al. (2008). A multicenter, randomized clinical trial of a cognitive remediation program for childhood survivors of a pediatric malignancy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(3), 367–378.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cicerone, K. D., Dahlberg, C., Kamar, K., Langenbahn, D. M., Malec, J. F., Bergquist, T. F. et al. (2000). Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation: Recommendations for clinical practice. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 81, 316–321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galbiati, S., Recla, M., & Pastore, V. (2009). Attention remediation following traumatic brain injury in childhood and adolescence. Neuropsychology, 23(1), 40–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, N. W., & Ingles, J. L. (2001). Effectiveness of attention rehabilitation after acquired brain injury: A meta-analysis. Neuropsychology, 15, 199–210.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Park, N. W., Proulx, G., & Towers, W. M. (1999). Evaluation of the attention process training programme. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 9, 135–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sohlberg, M. M., Avery, J., Kennedy, M., Ylvisaker, M., Coelho, C., Turkstra, L., & Yorkston, K. (2003). Practice guidelines for direct attention training. Journal of Medical Speech Language Pathology, 11(3), xix–xxxix.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sohlberg, M. M., McLaughlin, K. A., Pavese, A., Heidrich, A., & Posner, M. (2001). Evaluation of attention process training and brain injury education in persons with acquired brain injury. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 22, 656–676.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this entry

Cite this entry

Sohlberg, M.M. (2011). Attention Training. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1080

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1080

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-79947-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-79948-3

  • eBook Packages: Behavioral Science

Publish with us

Policies and ethics