Musical concentration training with Pepe: Presentation of a concept and its effects

Abstract

With a prevalence of 4.8 %, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered to be one of the most widespread behavioral disorders of childhood and youth (KiGGS; Schlack et al., 2007). Researchers are paying more and more attention to this phenomenon and there is an increasing need for alternative treatment besides pharmaceutical therapy. The musical concentration training with Pepe is an innovative group program for children aged five to ten years who have concentration problems. Based on the principles of behavior therapy, it uses music as a means of teaching and learning, drawing on the curiosity, open mindedness, creativity as well as the need for movement in children with ADHD. The structured rhythm and movement tasks aim at improving focused, divided, and sustained attention. Further elements of the training, such as teamwork, the figure of identification Pepe and his signal light, train social behavior, impulse control, and personal responsibility. The characteristics of the music concentration training with Pepe as well as its effective elements are discussed in the present paper.