title: The effects of a stress-management program on self-concept, locus of control, and the acquisition of coping skills in school-age children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  What is the effectiveness of a stress-management program on self-concept, locus of control, and acquisition of appropriate coping strategies in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two children with ADHD (age range 9-12) were randomly assigned to a control group, a therapist-led group, or a group in which the stress-management techniques were taught by the parents. The subjects were pre- and posttested on self-concept, locus of control, and acquisition of coping skills.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although there were no significant changes in any of the three groups for acquisition of coping skills, the children in the therapist-led group reported more appropriate coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Involving parents in a cognitive-behavioral approach could improve parent-child relationships and further increase the opportunities for successful academic and social functioning.
authors.affiliation: Research Associate, University of South Florida, College of Nursing, Tampa, USA. logonzal@hsc.usf.edu
authors.forename: Lois O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: Eric W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Sellers
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011897:Random Allocation; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome