ADHD Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about ADHD, including details on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drugs, treatment, symptoms.

Self-perception in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Barber S, Grubbs L, Cottrell B

Professional Park Pediatric, Florida State University School of Nursing, Tallahassee, USA.

The purpose of this study was to compare self-perceptions of children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with those of children not diagnosed with ADHD. Seventy-seven children aged 8-12 years composed the two groups-38 participants with ADHD and 39 control participants without ADHD. The children completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children Questionnaire designed to measure self-perceptions in school-aged children. t Tests compared differences in mean scores between the groups. The ADHD group had a significantly lower overall score and a lower score on the behavioral conduct subscale compared with children without ADHD. Findings suggest a difference in the way school-aged children with ADHD perceive themselves as compared with their peers. The cumulative effect of years of low self-esteem and negative self-perception may have significant life consequences. Attention should be focused on fostering self-esteem and positive self-perception in children with ADHD through support groups and behavioral training.

Published 20 July 2005 in J Pediatr Nurs, 20(4): 235-45.
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