EFFECT OF PLAY THERAPY ON ATTENTION DEFICIT AMONG PUPILS OF FUDMA DEMONSTRATION PRIMARY SCHOOL, DUTSIN-MA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of Play Therapy on Attention Deficit among pupils of FUDMADemonstration Primary School, Katsina State, Nigeria. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) andAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affectapproximately 5–7% of school-aged children globally, leading to poor classroom engagementand academic underachievement. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design using a pre-testand post-test control group approach. A total of 40 students identified with symptoms ofattention deficit were purposively selected and divided into two groups: 20 students in theexperimental group received structured Play Therapy for six weeks, while 20 students in thecontrol group received no intervention. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire andan observation checklist. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentage) and inferentialstatistics (t-test and Pearson correlation) were used for data analysis. Findings revealed asignificant reduction in attention deficit symptoms among students in the experimental group.Key words: Attention Deficit, Play Therapy, Pupils